N.Z. Scientific Help Criticised

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29849, 15 June 1962, Page 8

N.Z. Scientific Help Criticised

(New Zealand Press Association) NEW PLYMOUTH, June 14. The belief that British officialdom was either neutral or opposed to New Zealand’s requirements on European Economic Community matters was expressed by the noted New Zealand scientist, Sir Ernest Marsden, at New Plymouth today.

He ascribed this attitude to New Zealand’s consistent refusal in recent years to play any substantial part in, or incur any expenditure In the development of Commonwealth defence science projects. Sir Ernest Marsden suggested it might not be too late to rectify this. “New Zealand does not help in Commonwealth schemes of economic and defence preparations,’,’ he said “We do not share the huge bill for weapon development for nuclear development and space satellite experiments. “W'e have retracted the practice of seconding men to Harwell and to rocket development. We used to supply each year a group of defence science graduates to work on Questions fundamental to defence development projects. “Today we have practically retired from all such effort. We have not ever taken part in the efforts of the Commonwealth Air Advisorv Research Committee "There are many other things we could have done and indeed were invited to do. But all efforts of British officials to enlist New Zealand support in this type of protect have been in vain. “No wonder British officialdom is either neutral or actively against us in these E.E.C deliberations.” said Sir Ernest Marsden. “Why not. now at the las’ minute, make an offer to become more co-operative in >’hese matters The United Kingdom despera’ely need* more technical and scientific help in all these defend science developments To help them is to help ourselves, to denv that help inceases the risk of more defence helplessness on the nart of all of us and the Commonwealth.” Sir Ernes’ Marsden said. U.S. Influence There was no doubt that American influence had been an important factor in the promotion of the E.E C and in propaganda urging Britain to join. Sir Ernest Marsden said.

Yet some sections of British manufacturing interests had for years favoured some sort of custom agreement

with Continental countries he said.

“Behind the scenes,” said Sir Ernest Marsden, “The United States has apparently pushed the idea of the EEC so assiduously that it has had its effects Understandably Germany, Italy, France. Holland and Denmark should be favourable to the United Kingdom joining and to the dissolving of Commonwealth preferences.

“Take Holland, for example. Wider markets are likely to be opened to concerns like Unilever. Philips. K.LM.. etc ‘‘ln the case of Denmark it would mean the loss by New Zealand of a preference on the United Kingdom market and the creation of a preference for Danish butter. cheese and bacon at a time when the Danes have mastered the art of producing their products to the varying tastes of Britain's differing regional requirements.”