‘Benefits For All In E.E.C. Link’

Press, Volume C, Issue 29671, 15 November 1961, Page 23

‘Benefits For All In E.E.C. Link’

LONDON, November 13. Britain believes it can strengthen its links with Europe in every field “without injury to. and indeed with great ultimate benefits for, the whole Commonwealth ” the Prime Minister (Mr Macmillan) said today.

He believed the Common Market negotiations of “historic significance” must succeed. for if Europe did not achieve this degree of unity and common purpose there was “little chance of our rising to the challenge of today.’’

Mr Macmillan was speaking at a dinner at the Guildhall. London, given by the new Lord Mayor of London (Sir Frederick Hoare). The Prime Minister said the Government was trying to bring increasing strength and unity of purpose in the Commonwealth —though it w ould be foolish not to re- < ognise some divergencies. Calling for unity and understanding in the Commonwealth and between the old world and the new, Mr Macmillan said Britain must remain “frank, loyal and devoted partners” with the United States.

If anyone doubted that let him ask whether there would be tears and mourning in the Kremlin if Washington and London fell out, he said. Britain’s aim was to achieve a relaxation of the 'dangerous rivalry” between the different power blocs.

Mr Macmillan said that for years he had preached the need for the increasing unity and interdependence of the free nations and groups of free nations. "For Britain this has presented at the same time great practical difficulties, but increasing opportunities. “Britain and the Commonwealth. Rurope. the United States—on these three great groups of nations, heirs to the civilisation of nearly 3000 years, the future of freedom and religion depends,” he said. Mr Macmillan said: “Similarly. we do not cease our endeavours to bring increasing strength and nnity of purpose among odr Commonwealth partners. Here again it would be foolish not to recognise the divergencies in some field* —for instance in defence organisation. “There are naturally in so diverse a society differences of emphasis and approach. But I sometimes wish that some of us at home would be a little more understanding and patient, especially with our new Commonwealth countries tasting now for the first time the new wine of independence.”