GERMAN DIFFERENCES WITH BRITAIN

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29055, 18 November 1959, Page 15

GERMAN DIFFERENCES WITH BRITAIN

Adenauer Plans Easing On Visit To London (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 11 p.m.) LONDON, November 17. British newspapers varied in their reaction to the visit to London today of the West German Chancellor, Dr. Konrad Adenauer. The Chancellor will arrive late this morning for a three ■ day visit.

Most newspapers welcomed the visit, although some expressed doubts about differences between Britain and West Germany. Only one paper, the “Daily Herald,” was hostile to the visit.

“The Times” said that the atmosphere between the two countries was “lighter and more trustful’ “The Chancellor can count on goodwill and a genuine desire for understanding as he begins his discussions with British Ministers,” it said. “But much is required before real unity is established over Britain’s relations with the six countries of the European Economic Community. The “Daily Telegraph” said that Britain’s “disastrous relationship” with Germany throughout the 20th century had produced one small advantage. “It has at least made it easy for the leaders of the two countries to meet without the genuine difference between them being disguised by a lot of waffle about past friendship and eternal amity."

that Britain meant to move closer to Europe politically as well as economically. In a special interview with the “Guardian’s” Bonn correspondent before his departure for London, Dr. Adenauer said that he had the general impression that the British press appreciated the urgent need for co-operation between the British Commonwealth and Germany, “which is a stark necessity.” Dr. Adenauer was asked whether he agreed with those British Government spokesmen who had repeatedly stated that the Commonwealth was not a “closed shop” and that Germany’s co-operation in developing the resources of the Commonwealth was genuinely welcomed. “For a long time past my Government has, within its means, contributed unreservedly to international assistance programmes for underdeveloped countries,” said Dr. Adenauer, in reply. “Without naming any figures, I may say that the German economy has made, or will make, a fairly substantial contribution to the development of the .economic resources of Commonwealth countries like Canada, Australia, Pakistan and India. Perhaps that is the clearest proof that the Commonwealth is not regarded as a closed shop by the Federal Republic.”

The “Guardian” said that Dr. Adenauer’s visit was the occasion to avert a trade war in Europe. “Britain and Western Germany should be making a joint effort to ensure co-operation between the two European groups of which each is the most important member—the outer seven and the inner six." It said that the British Prime Minister (Mr Macmillan) would have to persuade the Chancellor