EUROPEAN UNITY

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29273, 3 August 1960, Page 13

EUROPEAN UNITY

‘Time Appears To Be Ripe’

(Rec. 11 p.m.) BONN, August 2. _West Germany’s two most influential independent daily newspapers, “Die Welt,” of Hamburg, and the Frankfurt “Algemeine Zeitung,” today called for closer links between continental Europe and Britain. “Die Welt” said fate now gave the West German Chancellor, Dr. Adenauer, the opportunity to work, from a decisive position, for “the abolition of a second mortgage of the past which burdens the history of Europe”—the rivalry and opposition between the Continent and Britain. The drticle suggested that the British Prime Minister, Mr Macmillan, should participate in a conference of Western European Heads of Government, which might be formed as a first step towards a European confederation. At the same time, there should be concrete negotiations to include Britain in the European » Common Market. An article on the front page of the “Allgemeine Zeitung” said: “If there are discussions about they must be held with Britain’s participation, provided • she is prepared for such talks. The time appears to be ripe. “It looks as if a closer political union between Britain and the Common Market countries will come about, one way or the other.”