British Public And E.E.C.

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29894, 7 August 1962, Page 21

British Public And E.E.C.

Surprise at an apparent lack of interest by the British public tn the European Economic Community issue is expressed by Mr L R. McPherson. a master at St Andrew’s College, in a letter from England. "I am constantly dismayed at the attitude of complete .nd (Terence that I meet from peopie who are prepared to s-gue vehemently aganrt the b-mb. but who would not walk across the street to hear an argument on the E E.C jwie " he 'ays 'That this attitude can be d berate'v engendered on such a large scale, gives c-.use for the deepest alarm The pe- ple of this once greet -at ton have been kept in a-l--m-“ total ignorance of the : > tical integration which is • king place." Mr McPherson Not "If.” But “When” ' No longer does one hear ‘ f we join ’ The idea has ’•■cane unhesitatingly ‘when’ But when promines* statesr en. from tx/h side* of the Atlantic. interviewed on television say: ‘I think this step will benefit and strengthen Britain and the Commonwealth.’ no-one has either the intelligence or the simple courage to ask bow and why. "If this sort of thing happens often enough, reasons reed no longer be given, because the conditioned viewer row accepts the implication that Britain must integrate completely with Europe,” says Mr McPherson. "Originally discussions concerned trade only, but - >w the political link has -cared its ug’.y head. ?.nd •".s ‘s. I think, the main question. A ur.i’ed Eu-jpe - part of President Kcnr.edy’s plan to keep Russia n the back doer of the United States. if indeed ft: - s ever intend-d such a e.j Britain has become a pawn in this international game of chess. “What of the Commcnweaith? The attitude is quite simple—’the time has come when we will have to

let the Commonwealth go'— as though Britain was forced to shift from a good house in a gpod neighbourhood, to one of lesser quality in a poorer locality through circumstances beyond her control,” Mr McPherson says. Parties Are Split "The real tragedy at the moment is that this is not a political issue. Both the Tory and Labour parties are torn asunder over the entire question, and the Liberal party, now swiftly assuming political importance, says yes' to the questfen of entry a-nd only argues in a mild fashion or. individual conditions “Thus the Macmillan coterie, who are pressing so strongly for entry to this now vast political machine, are m a strong position, knowing that there is no necessity to go to the country Tam sure that the Commonwealth countries have been relying on a sensible people saying a firm ’no.' when asked the vital question. But I am equally certain that they will be given no such opportunity. . "Put aside any thoughs of loyalty to the Commonwealth group—loyalty and friendship began losing their meaning nearly 50 years ago. on August 4. 1814. to be exact.” says Mr McPherson. “Here is a nation which went into total war 23 years ago, ostensibly to honour a pledge to a small nation, which held out to us great claims on her affection, now desperately rushing into apolitical and trade alliance which negates the very principles of loyalty that such a short time ago, she held so dear.” Trade Still Increasing "Right now. 50 per cent of Britain’s exports go to the Commonwealth group, and only 15 per cent. t. Europe. This seems no reason tor the headlong dash away from present trading arrangements. particularly when trade with the Commonwealth is still increasing.” Mr McPherson says.

"Immediately after joining, food prices here will rise substantially. This is not conjecture—l am quoting freely from a recent statement by Britain’s E.C.M. negotiator, Mr Heath. Does this then offer any cogent reason? “Trade unions are likely to be in a chaotic state after joining. British trade unions, now at strength and possessing enormous bargaining power, will be weakened. Only about 12 per cent, of German industrial workers belong to a trade union. “I see this as a reason for joining. which industrial pressure groups have, though nothing would be made public on this question. “With rising food prices, industrial workers need wage rises. Under such an arrangement. it will be virtually impossible for manufacturers to compete tor the European market. Perhaps the industrial group are relying on the trade unions here being so weakened that they can more readily be disciplined.” Mr McPherson says. "Britain’s desertion of the Commonwealth will have far reaching consequences in Africa and India, who, in these circumstances. are likely to turn towards communism. “In fact, to sum up, Britain has everything to lose, and nothing to gain. Nevertheless, I believe the Macmillan Government will shortly commit this act of treachery to the Commonwealth, and indeed plunge Britain into a nasty mess, from which she might never recover; all th's without consulting the people either now. or later,” says Mr McPherson.