'Strong Britain Best For Commonwealth'

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29848, 14 June 1962, Page 15

'Strong Britain Best For Commonwealth'

iN.Z Press Association —Copyright) LONDON, June 13. Great Britain formed "the oil-shore islands of Europe." the British Prime Minister (Mr Macmillan) told the Australia Club dinner last night.

Mr Macmillan said that what mattered most to countries like Australia. Canada and New’ Zealand—in fact all the Commonwealth countries —was a “strong, resilient and and powerful Britain " Australia and Britain were

“bound by ties of blood, tradition and loyalty to the Crown " Mr Macmillan said: “I know there are some who wonder what all these links mean in the modern world Will they remain strong and vigorous if we join the European Economic Community? “The British Government have repeatedly made clear their obligations to the Commonwealth’ economic in’ - est

“On the political level I know there are those who fear that Britain in Europe would tend to drift away from the Commonwealth oolitically and almost. I say sentimentally For myself. I understand but do not -hare ’heso hesitations “What matters most to countries like Australia. Canada. New Zealand—in fact, all the Commonwealth countries—is a strong, resilient and onwerfu! Britain "Moreover these islands do in fact lie off the shores of Europe—we are the offshore islands Whether we like it or not we are deeply bound up with what happens there and so are you." he said

The tragic proof was ’hat neither Britain nor Australia had succeeded in the last 50 years in keeping free from what used to be called Continental entanglements. Britain had stood apart “but this did not save us. indeed it nearly brought us to utter ruin." he sair" Mr Macmillan said: “If we :n this island a-e closely bound uo with Eurooe—so mescaoably involved —may !• not be better for us to nlav our full part in neace or wha* we choose to call Deace. may not this be in the true interests not only of Britain and Australia, but of the whole Commonwealth?”