‘U.S. Hostile To Neutrals In E.E.C.’

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29791, 6 April 1962, Page 11

‘U.S. Hostile To Neutrals In E.E.C.’

(N .Z.P.AReuter—Copyright)

WASHINGTON, April 5.

The United States was hostile to the idea of opening the door of the Common Market to the European neutrals, the “Washington Post” said today in an editorial.

"The United States is most eager to see Britain join the Common Market, but is hostile to the idea of opening the door of the Common Market to the European neutrals —Sweden, Switzerland and Austria "There is no inconsistency in this attitude.” the newspaper said "The British can wholly accept the Treaty of Rome' by which the Common Market was created "Indeed. the effect of British membership would be to strengthen the European Community "Though the British appear to be primarily interested in the economic aspects of the Common Market, they are entirely free to work with the present members France. Italy. West Germany. Belgium, the Netherlands and

Luxembourg—in developing the closer political ties that are contemplated by the treaty "The neutral countries, of course, are in a very different position They could not participate in the natural political evolution of the new community •of European powers

"In the cases of Sweden and Austria there are especially important reasons for maintaining their neutrality, even from the Western point of view.

"Consequently, it is wholly unrealistic to talk nf admit‘mg them as full-fledged members and unreasonable to suppose that they could be granted all the commercial privileges of membership without regard for political obligations,” the newspaper said.