“ONLY MIRACLE CAN SAVE E.E.C. TALKS”

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30035, 21 January 1963, Page 11

“ONLY MIRACLE CAN SAVE E.E.C. TALKS”

Adenauer Flying To Paris (N.Z.P.A.-lteuter—Copyright) BONN, January 20. Only a miracle could now save the 14-month-old Brussels negotiations on Britain’s application to join the European Economic Community, the leader of West Germany’s team at the talks said last night. The leader, Mr Alfred Mueller-Armack, said there were “absolutely no indications” France would alter her opposition to British entry. British United Press said the West German Chancellor, Dr. Adenauer, is flying to Paris today for a four-day visit to make a personal plea to President de Gaulle to soften his stand against British membership.

Mr Mueller-Armack, who is State Secretary in the West German Economics Ministry, predicted “unforeseeable difficulties” even if the Brussels negotiations continued. He said 70 per cent, of the problems involved in British entry had already been solved. Common Market Ministers will meet in Brussels on January 28 to resume talks on the French demand to suspend negotiations with Britain. The breathing space between now and then will be used by France’s five partners for diplomatic pressure to try to get her to change her stand.

Reports in Bonn say that Dr. Adenauer has little or no hope of getting General de Gaulle to change has mind in the light of the present state of the Brussels negotaateons. Dr. Adenauer’s own political supporters and West Germany’s other two leading parties have joined the country's trade unions, industrial leaders and other groups in describing British membership as a necessity. Accompanying Dr. Adenauer to Paris will be the Foreign Minister, Dr. Schroeder, and the new Min-

iahac at Defence, Mir von rv_ a xiassei. Well-informed circles in Paris said France miffat soon propose a vast European industrial free trade zone encompassing the Six, Britain and the countries of the European Free Trade Association. It would exclude agriculture, thus avoiding the difficufties which have arisen in Brussels. In London, the Prime Minister (Mr Macmillan) today caUed the Foreign Secretary (Lord Home) and the chief British Common Market negotiator, Mr Heath, to Admiralty House for talks. Reliable sources said the main purpose of the meeting was to get a full report from Mr Heath on the latest crucial series of talks in Brussels. Talks to Resume On Friday, France bowed to pressure from her five partners and agreed to postpone temporarily her demand for an immediate suspension of entry negotiations with Britain. The current chairman of the talks, Belgium's Mr Henry Fayat, said special sessions of the Six would resume on January 38 to continue discussions and these would be followed by talks with Britain. Conference sources said there was nothing to stop the French renewing their sus-

pension demand on January 28, but meanwhile the five and Britain had a breathing space for diplomatic efforts to save the negotiations.

The Luxembourg Foreign Minister, Mr Eugene Schaus, commented: “It is a respite and this at least has been gained. No glass has been broken—but the glass is fragile.” Mr Heath told reporters the stand of the five showed how strongly they wanted the negotiations to succeed. Success was of great importance for the countries of Europe as well as Britain.