TALKS ON E.E.C.

Press, Volume C, Issue 29624, 21 September 1961, Page 12

TALKS ON E.E.C.

Discussion In Secret

(N^.P.A.-Reuter— Copyrioht) LONDON. Sept. 18. The New Zealand delegation to the Commonwealth talks on the Common Market in London would clearly not be satisfied with “general assurances” that Britain would hope to influence the “Six” to prevent disruption to Commonwealth trade relations. the “Financial Times” said today. The talk*, between Commonwealth and British official* were opened behind closed door* in London today.

No report of the discussions was available, but it was thought the talks would be mainly on a bilateral basis between the United Kingdom and the seven Commonwealth teams of delegates.

The "Financial Times” said the basic position on which the New Zealand delegation entered the talks was probably general. New Zealand was not only

worried about the effect on her major export commodities of primary products: but also on the effect on the proposed aluminium project based on Queensland bauxite, which was being developed in New Zealand.

In common with most of the other delegations, the New Zealanders wanted to hear facts and figures from the British de’rgation. rather than generalised hopes. The "Financial Times” said, however, that it was doubtful how far the United Kingdom Government would be able to meet this wish at the present time.