Early Agreement On E.E.C. Expected

Press, Volume C, Issue 29634, 3 October 1961, Page 20

Early Agreement On E.E.C. Expected

(NXP-A.-Reuter— CopyrtaM) BONN, October 2. The West German financial newspaper, "Handelsblatt,” forecast yesterday that basic f agreement on Britain’s entry into the Common Market may be reached by next spring.

The newspaper’s London correspondent said in a commentary: "Britain seems to be getting along more quickly with it* Common Market wishes that one would have dared to hope a few weeks ago.” He Mid that the statement of toe Ministerial Council of the Common Market replying to Britain’s request to consider it* entry was “extremely encouraging.” Furthermore, France’s decision not to demand a written statement of Britain’s conditions at this stage was regarded in London as a sign of a real will to compromise. "Finally, there are increasing signs that within the Commonwealth the fiesistance against a British commitment to the European Economic Community is by no means so strong or widespread as some politicians would have had us believe,” he stated. The correspondent said that although it was "quite turbulent” at the Accra Commonwealth Conferenca of Finance Ministers, the overseas countries mainly wanted to ensure close consultation, or the possibility of association of the African and West Indian members of the Commonwealth with the Common Market. While pointing out that basic agreement might be

'reached by next spring, the correspondent added: “No one in London succumb* to the expectant hope that the EJt.C. talks will go smoothly and without any obstinate bargaining." Austrian Neutralism The British United Press reported from Grat, Austria, that the Austrian Minister of Trade (Mr Frits Bock) said on Saturday that Austria as a neutral country could not take part in the political integration of Europe. Opening the trade fair at Graz, he said Austria had a vital interest in the economic side of the Common Market, although she would not permit any Interference in her economic policy. . In Melbourne, the Federal Treasurer (Mr Harold Holt) said on Saturay night that It was Australia’s duty to assist Britain in its approaches to the European Common Market countries in a "constructive attitude.” , Mr Holt was speaking to reporters at the airport on his return from a three week’s tour abroad. Mr Holt said: "We are doing our best not only for Australian and other Commonwealth interest* but to help the United Kingdom a* well.” He was not convinced, however, that Australia's industrial and primary producing interests could be adequately protected if Britain joined the European Common Market