E.E.C. Double Problem For African Countries

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29913, 29 August 1962, Page 13

E.E.C. Double Problem For African Countries

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright) ' LONDON, August 28. The African members of the Commonwealth have a “two-fold concern” about the issue of British participation in the European Common Market, the “Guardian” said today. “If Britain joins they stand to lose the Commonwealth preference which many of their exports still enjoy in Britain.

“Even if Britain does not join they may lose some of their existing markets in Europe to the former French and Belgian colonies in Africa, who will have preferential entry into Europe through their ‘associate status’.” “Ghana has long been opposed to any African country associating with Europe on the grounds that the European Economic Community would provide a cover tor neo-colonialism and would try to condemn the African countries to being eternal primary producers instead of allowing them to develop secondary industries. "But Dr. Nkrumah has

never attempted to dissuade Britain from joining Europe, and it is still questionable whether he will even come to London for the Prime Ministers’ conference. “Nigeria shares Ghana’s doubts about the desirability of associating with the European Economic Community. Nevertheless, the case for associating with Europe has at least been examined carefully, and it seems that Nigeria, far more than Ghana, is concerned to protect her vital trade interests with Europe and with Britain. ‘‘Even though some of the African members of the Commonwealth hold the belief that an African common market could be developed as an alternative to their dependence on trade with Europe, this is not so. “Consequently, at a time

of surplus raw material production and falling prices, Britain has a duty towards the newer and possibly more vulnerable countries of the Commonwealth. “There is a strong case for trying to ensure that the E.E.C. will negotiate worldwide commodity agreements. This would be a more effective way of helping the tropical producers than forcing on them an associate status that few of them desire," the “Guardian” said.