Britain Seeks Joint Action On European Trade Issues

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28869, 14 April 1959, Page 19

Britain Seeks Joint Action On European Trade Issues

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.)

LONDON, April 13. The British Government is understood to be discussing with 10 other European nations not m the European Common Market the possibility of a concerted approach to the six common market countries —France, Western Germany, Italy. Belgium, Holland, and Luxembourg—on general European trade questions. Britain is suggesting joint action by those outside the market, should any of their individual trade interests be threatened by the activities of the six. When the treaty of Rome came into operation in January common market countries imposed tariffs and quotas on their trade with outside nations. This so far has had little effec: on British industry, but, according to the political correspondent of the “Yorkshire Post,’’ further development of the provisions of the treaty is a matter of serious concern to Britain, and the Government has decided to take the initiative for a planned approach for a trade treaty which would exclude discrimination. “Politically the British Government is reluctant to propose the formation of another trading bloc unless it is impossible to come to some arrangement with the common market.’’ said the correspondent. “But it is determined to negotiate from a position of strength.’’ The political correspondent of

the “Daily Mail” says there is increasing worry in London over growing competition from the six nations of the common market, whose latest move is a threat to band their airlines together.

A joint common market airline would mean that all six countries could share maintenance units, use other “market” aircraft for return journeys and so save expense. and refuse any increase in British European Airway? traffic in Europe.