The Press FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1961. New Zealand And The Common Market

Press, Volume C, Issue 29435, 10 February 1961, Page 12

The Press FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1961. New Zealand And The Common Market

The warning of Colonel C. P. Dawnay, chairman of Dalgety and Company, that Britain is almost sure to join the Common Market should be heeded in New Zealand. Too much effort has been wasted here in trying to work up arguments to dissuade Britain from this course and too little has been used in considering how New Zealand’s affairs should be adjusted to cope with such a development. There has been too little recognition of the fact that, if it is in Britain’s interest to enter the Common Market, it cannot be in the long-term interest of New Zealand for Britain to stay out It would be very comfortable for New

Zealand if it could retain all its present privileges in a Britain as prosperous as it might become as a full member of the European family but relieved of the obligations of membership. We cannot expect that, and must prepare accordingly. The Australian Government and Australian trading organisations have long accepted the likelihood of Britain’s being drawn into closer economic association with Europe. Their policies are designed, first, to secure the best possible terms for Australia if such a change occurs, and second, to rearrange their production and marketing to meet new conditions. New Zealand should be doing the same.