TALKS ON E.E.C.

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29745, 12 February 1962, Page 16

TALKS ON E.E.C.

Australian Request (ti.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) NEW YORK, Feb. 10. Britain had agreed to support Australia's request for participation in the negotiations with the European Common Market, the “New York Times’s” chief London correspondent, Drew Middleton, reported. He said this was one of a series of developments connected with the British negotiations with the Common Market which had led officials in London to conclude that the timetable for Britain’s entry into the market might be pushed back by six months. “Until recently it had been hoped that the process could be completed by January 1. But recent developments now argue against a decision until the middle of next year,” Middleton said. “Britain has agreed to support Australia's request for participation in the negotiations with the Common Market . . . This will complicate and lengthen the negotiations even though Australia will take part only when her vital interests are involved," Middleton reported.

He said the Minister in charge of the British negotiations (Mr Heath) would put forward Australia’s request at a meeting of the market's ministers on February 22.