‘Strong Reaction’ From Nordmeyer At Talks

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29316, 22 September 1960, Page 13

‘Strong Reaction’ From Nordmeyer At Talks

(Special Correspondent—NZ.P.A.) LONDON, September 21. Commenting on the first day’s discussions at the Commonwealth Finance Ministers’ meeting, “The Times’’ political correspondent says that “strong reaction” came from Mr Nordmeyer to the suggested plans for Britain’s greater association with the Six or the Seven. Mr Nordmeyer’s brusqueness, adds the correspondent, surprised nobody.

Mr Nordmeyer saw two dangers in any move towards closer intergration between the Six and the Seven. First, that New Zealand's markets in Europe might suffer from the common tariff and the quantitative restrictions that are likely to be imposed. Second, and this as he saw it, was the greater danger—there was the effect on the New Zealand economy of the abolition of free entry for agricultural products into Britain. Mr Nordmeyer could not see these difficulties being overcome.

He was still at a los» to know how the grouping of six or 13 nations to stimulate trade among themselves could do other than discourage the entry of products from other sources which they themselves were capable of producing, albeit at higher prices. New Zealand, in short, remained opposed to the merger of the Six and the Seven unless there were stronger safeguards and firmer assurances than had

been mentioned so far in the exploration, the correspondent, said. “Up to a point, Mr Nordmeyer holds that the European Free Trade Association itself illustrates the danger.” the article said. “According to him. since the E.F.T.A. was launched. New Zealand has already felt its effects although Britain insisted on a provision for the continuation of Commonwealth preference.” Reuter reports that Britain told the Commonwealth Finance Ministers meeting in London today that in any kind of negotiations between the six-nation Common Market and the “Outer Seven” European Free Trade Association, the effect on the Commonwealth was the first of four points to be considered. An authoritative source said Mr Edward Heath, the United Kingdom's Lord Privy Seal, reaffirmed the Government's view that any negotiations must be looked at: In relation to their effect on the Commonwealth. In relation to Britain’s own agriculture. In relation to the E.F.T.A. In light of the position with regard to political institutions.