N.Z. MISSION TO E.E.C.

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29192, 30 April 1960, Page 15

N.Z. MISSION TO E.E.C.

Mr G. R. Laking Ambassador

(N.Z. Press Association— Copyright) (Rqc. 8 p.m.) BRUSSELS, April 28

The European Economic Community has agreed to New Zealand’s request for the establishment of a mission. The New Zealand Government has designated the Acting-High Commissioner in London, Mr G. R. Laking, as the mission’s chief with the rank of ambassador.

A Wellington message says the acceptance of Mr Laking as the head of New Zealand’s mission to the E.E.C. follows the announcement by the Prime Minister (Mr Nash) early last month of a proposal to seek this accreditation.

The E.E.C. has its headquarters, and its executive, the European Economic Commission, in Brussels and now that formalities have been completed the way is clear for Mr Laking to present his credentials to the commission as the New Zealand representative to the community. Mr Laking’s duties will be in addition to those of Acting-High Commissioner in London, a post he will continue to occupy.

The importance to New Zealand of developments in the European Economic Community also known as the European Common Market—was emphasised by Mr Nash in a broadcast before he left New Zealand. He said that the two main objectives of New Zealand’s economic policy in Europe were: To avoid as far as possible discrimination by European countries against the interests of other efficient farm producers

such as New Zealand. To gain bigger markets for New Zealand farm products by pressing for a reduction in agricultural protection, whether that protection was brought about by subsidies or by restrictions on the quantity of imports.

Mr Laking’s accreditation would thus permit New Zealand to keep in close touch with the six member countries of the community and in particular with the executive body, Mr Nash said. He would be empowered to put the Government’s views before the members of the community on all matters affecting New Zealand’s economic and marketing interests.