Russia Warns Of E.E.C. Colonialism

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29952, 13 October 1962, Page 11

Russia Warns Of E.E.C. Colonialism

( N Z.P.A.-Reuter— Copyright >

NEW YORK, October 12.

The Soviet Union warned African countries last night that by seeking associate membership in the European Common Market, they would risk becoming “economic colonies” of’Europe.

The head of the Soviet Foreign Ministry’s international economic organisations department, Mr G. P. Arkadev. told the United Nations Economic Committee that the E.E.C. was pursuing “a subtle policy of camouflaged colonialism. ” He «.id the less developed countries were expressing increasing fears that the “restrictive and discriminatory” EEC. policies would further oust) down the prices of their raw material exports, raise the prices of Western manufacture ! products, and widen the gap between rich and poor nations. Nigeria’s delegate, Mr Mallam Aminu Kano, also warned African countries not to seek associate membership of the Common Market, which .vculd be “tying their apron strings to Europe.” he said.

Mr Arkadev. referring to the associate membership in the European Economic Community o’ some of the former French African colonies, said: "The tie-up of these countries to the Common Market is strengthening colonial lines, and increasing their dependence on Europe.” At the same time, be said, the Soviet Union was reedy to conclude trade agreements with African nations immediately. opening new outlets for their commodities, and heloing them to boost their ■ndiistrial growth. The Soviet delegate advised African states not to accept “camouflaged colonial associations” with Common Market countries, or to accept their “rosy picture” of Western European economic growth.

He claimed that industrial production in Britain, Belgium and West Germany had remained almost stationary in the last few months, while in others there had been only slight increases. The Soviet Union had increased its foreign trade by 6.8 pv. cent, in 1961. and now traded with more than 80 countries, compared with 59 in 1955. showing its willing, ness to develop unrestricted trade with all nations, he sand