“N.Z. Will Not Be Left In Lurch” Over E.E.C.

Press, Volume C, Issue 29557, 5 July 1961, Page 14

“N.Z. Will Not Be Left In Lurch” Over E.E.C.

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, July 4. New Zealand is agreeable to Britain starting negotiations to join the European Common Market provided New Zealand is consulted “all the way along the line,” according to authoritative sources tonight.

The British Secretary for Commonwealth Relations, Mr Sandys, is understood to have given New Zealand ministers a firm assurance that Britain will not "leave New Zealand in the lurch.” New Zealand Ministers are understood to be convinced that Britain will not go into the Common Market on any terms that would ruin New Zealand’s economy. Mr Sandys is understood to have given an assurance today that Commonwealth countries would be consulted again about details before Britain started negotiations with the E.E.C-. and that no final decision to join would be made without consultation with the Commonwealth. Six-hour Talk Mr Sandys finished six hours of detailed discussion with the cabinet economic committee and senior officials late this afternoon.

A committee later worked; on a draft joint communique which is expected to be considered by Mr Sandys and the economic committee tomorrow morning. New Zealand sources said tonight that the talks with Mr Sandys had “gone well.” It is understood that 'New Zealand Ministers have been firm in their insistence on the right of continued duty-free entry for New Zealand produce to the United Kingdom N.Z. Membership But, according to authoritative sources, the possibility of New Zealand considering associate membership of the E.E.C. or of New Zealand’s trade with the United Kingdom being covered by a special protocol to .the Rome Treaty if Britain joined, was raised by New Zealand representatives at the talks today' The sources described these as “possibilities” rather than “probabilities.” New Zealand representatives at the talks are understood to have made it clear that they think the responsibility for putting up “alternatives” for consideration rested on the United Kingdom and not on’ New Zealand. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Overseas Trade (Mr Marshall), who is chairman of the economic committee, presided at today’s meetings. Mr Sandys is due to meet the Producers’ Board chairman in Mr Marshall’s ffice tomorrow afternoon. He has declined an invitation to

meet the Federation of Labour while he is in Wellington. Mr Sandys is due to fly to Sydney on Thursday afternoon for talks with the Australian Government. Before he leaves he will address members of Parliament at a luncheon. The press has not been invited The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) told the House of Representatives today that he would provide an opportunity for the House to debate the Common Market c—jstion next week if the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Nash) wanted to. The two leaders earlier agreed that the subject would not be discussed in' the external affairs debate which opened tonight.