Common Market

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29896, 9 August 1962, Page 3

Common Market

Sir, —The arguments in favour of Britain’s “integration” with E.E.C. are based on the assumption that Britain will play "a leading part” in the organisation. The Six themselves, however, have made it plain that Britain would hold no such privileged position. If Britain joins, it will be on the same terms as the present members: she will hold one vote in a Community of seven, and her chances of “leading” are extremely remote. If Britain commits herself to E.E.C., any British proposal—to maintain her Commonwealth associations. for example—could be outvoted by six to one. as France was forced to yield what she considered to be a vital point for the protection of her agricultural interests during last week’s negotiations. As an alternative to E.E.C., the Commonwealth Prime Ministers and their advisers now have an opportunity of initiating long-term policies for the political and economic development of the Commonwealth. —Yours, etc., F.C. August 8, 1962.