N.Z.’s Special Position “Understood” In Europe

Press, Volume C, Issue 29691, 8 December 1961, Page 11

N.Z.’s Special Position “Understood” In Europe

(Spacial Correspondent N.ZJ>A.)

LONDON, Dec. 7. “It was encouraging to find New Zealand’s special position as a supplier of food to the United Kingdom so well understood by those who are now conducting negotiations with the United Kingdom,” New Zealand's Deputy - Prime Minister (Mr Marshall) said in Belgium today. Mr Marshall, says a report from Brussels, was commenting on his discussions at the headquarters of the European Economic Commission, the executive branch of the European Economic Community. He met Professor Hallstein, chairman of the commission, and Dr. S, B. Mansholt, who is particularly concerned with the common agricultural policy of the E.E.C. During their talk Mr Marshall emphasised New Zealand's position as a European community in the Pacific, and her dependence on exporting farm produce. The possible consequences for New Zealand if Britain joins the E.E.C. were fully discussed. Assurances Meanwhile, the British Foreign Secretary (the Eart ot Home), replying in the House of Lords to critics from both sides about the Government's alleged slowness in consulting Commonwealth governments on issues in which they are vitally concerned, particularly Common Market matters, gave what he called two “absolute assurances.” These were:—

That the machinery of consultation within the Commonwealth will be used to the full, both in the letter and the spirit. As far as the Common Market negotiations are concerned, the Commonwealth will be informed of every issue which emerges and which affects it “If we cannot circulate actual documents," Lord Home went on, "we will see that Commonwealth governments individually and collectively are informed. These negotiations are very complicated. They affected great industries in this country, and British agriculture. “There are certain things one Commonwealth Government does not want another one to know at a particular time, although it may be agreeable later on, so there must be a certain amount of discretion used. “But I can tell the House that it is the Government’s intention to use Commonwealth consultations both in this case and all others wherever opportunity offers,” the Foreign Secretary said. Holland And Canada In Holland after leaving Brussels, Mr Marshall today paid a courtesy call on the Dutch Premier (Professor Jan de Quay) and afterwards met the Dutch Economic Affairs Minister (Mr J. W. de Pous). A message from Ottawa says the Canadian Department of External Affairs has announced that Mr Marshall will visit Canada on December 18 for two days.