Motion for a recommendation | Doc. 19 | 27 May 1952
Establishment of a European linguistic community based on the application of Anglo-French bilingualism
The Assembly,
Considering that a common language would establish a unity of outlook and of culture as between the various Member States of the Council of Europe, such as is essential to the formation of any human community,
Considering that since the last war English has acquired a de facto privileged position in Europe,
Considering that the French language, by virtue of its clarity, logic and precision, remains a tool essential to the formation of a federation of States uniting to defend a particular form of thought and culture and their own conception of freedom,
Believing the joint use of these two languages, representing cultures which arc essentially complementary, to be at present the fairest and most appropriate way of meeting the needs of any scheme for the union of all European countries without exception, as well as for the requirements of any broader community representing the union of the old and new worlds,
1. Recommends to the Committee of Ministers the conclusion
a. of bilateral agreements aimed at spreading the use of English in French-speaking countries, and, conversely, of French in Englishspeaking countries, in particular by teaching the two languages in elementary schools.
b. of an international convention by which countries whose native language is neither French nor English will adopt one or the other of the two following suggestions :2.1. to encourage on their territory the general use of both English and French, or2.2. to select, preferably by joint agreement, one or the other of these languages, and thus be able both to communicate among themselves and to participate in the Anglo-French linguistic community.
2. Urges that political recognition of the principle of bilingualism on this pattern shall not be delayed pending the formulation of a detailed plan for its practical application —which may require several years of study and organisation—in order to enable all possible proposals and plans from public or private sources to be taken into consideration.