European Unity Poll Likely

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29828, 22 May 1962, Page 13

European Unity Poll Likely

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright) PARIS, May 21. President de Gaulle, following up his campaign for a united Europe which could “arbitrate” between Russia and America, might hold a referendum on this question in the autumn, Government officials said in Paris.

He is expected to make two more provincial tours in the near future, after his return yesterday evening from a speaking tour in the Limoges area.

His next four-day speaking tour, from June 14 to 17 in the region east of Paris, will centre on the towns of Chal-ons-sur-Marne, Troyes and Chaumont.

In July, after the State visit of the West German Chancellor (Dr. Konrad Adenauer) President de Gaulle will spend four days on the Atlantic coast north and south of the city of La Rochelle. The President is understood to be very confident that he can rally the country behind his policy of

Nasser's Speech (N —Cnpyngnt) CAIRO, May 21. President Nasser was expected to outline his Government's foreign and domestic policies in a marathon speech this afternoon to the National Congress of Popular Forces, which consuls of 1500 members representing workers in industry, commerce, agriculture and the professions, and students, together with the 250 members of the preparatory committee which arranges elections

European unity based on cooperation between national-., governments, as against the idea of a supra national Europe supported by the M.R.P. (Catholic Party), whose members walked out', of the Government last week. The General is also determined to maintain his viewpoint that Europe must aim at becoming a friendly third element between Russia and America. Pflimlin's Appeal Mr Pierre Pflimlin, leader of the M.R.P., pleaded in the French Alps city of Annemasse yesterday for a united Europe to meet the difficulties in the way of Britain's membership of the Common Market. Mr Pflimlin. one of the five * Ministers who resigned last week and an advocate of a close European political.' union, told a local M.R.P. meeting he hoped Britain "accepts on the political plane , a gradual advance towards a true community solution." In a speech mainly devoted to criticising President de Gaulle’s confederal policy, Mr Pflimlin, a former Prime Minister, warned that "Europe wilt have no future if it is subjected permanently to the law of unanimity.” “General de Gaulle excludes every idea of a majority decision.” he said. In a thinly veiled criticism ’ of the French President's policy towards N.A.T.0.. Mr Pflimlin said. "Every attitude, every move which results in weakening the Atlantic alliance is dangerous to us for the security of France " Later. Mr Pflimlin said: "Four days after having done something that was difficult for me. I can still affirm, in • spite of the disagreements that have come between us. that I consider General de Gaulle the bulwark of our essential liberties." Speaking of events in 1858 when he was the last Prime Minister of the Fourth Republic and made way for General de Gaulle's return to power. Mr Pflimlin said: “I assumed at that time a grave responsibility and I do not regret having accepted it.”