E.E.C. Compromise Plan Given Little Chance

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30042, 29 January 1963, Page 13

E.E.C. Compromise Plan Given Little Chance

(N.ZJ’A.-Rrstcr—CopyriffU) BRUSSELS, January 28. France and her five Common Market partners meet today to fight out the issue of suspending the negotiations on Britain joining Europe. France wants the talks to be broken off at once, a move strongly opposed by the other five and by Britain.

Chances of avoiding a breakdown , in the IS-month-old talks are now centred on a West German compromise proposal, but prospects of success were rated as slim in conference quarters.

Britain’s chief negotiator, Mr Edward Heath, had “very useful” talks over dinner last night with the West German ViceChancellor (Professor Erhard) on the compromise. He will have further discussions on it today with West Germany’s Foreign Minister (Dr. Schroeder).

The West German proposal is understood to suggest that the European Community’s Executive Commission be asked by the seven nations to draw up a balance sheet of progress so far made in the negotiations, the problems outstanding and their techni-

cal possible solution. It should report back in three to four weeks.

The British delegation Is willing to accept any compromise formula, but say it must not be camouflaged for slowing down the talks.

British sources said Mr Heath attached the greatest importance to: (1) The Executive Commission’s terms of reference —it must report back to the conference of the seven. (2) The time element—the period acceptable to Britain would depend on the type of procedure adopted. For instance, a balance sheet could be produced within a matter of days. Belgium drew up a 35-page document of this kind within 24 hours last Monday and has circulated it to the seven delegates as a working paper. Bu* the chief factor in today’s meetings will be the attitude of the French Foreign Minister (Mr Couve de Murville), who arrived by train from Paris about midnight. If France is still determined to veto British entry into Europe on political grounds, then conference sources said, the West German proposal would fall to the ground. Britain and the five are

determined not to accept any formula which would amount to delaying tactics or a concealed suspension. They hold that all the remaining issues in the way of British entry are of a technical character and can be steadily resolved through mutual concessions given goodwill. Intense activity among delegates yesterday will continue today before the crucial afternoon session opens. One key meeting will be between Dr. Schroeder and Mr Couve de Murville.

Mr Heeth will be joined today by the Commonweal th and Colonial Secretary (Mr Sandys), who is coming from London. The British Agriculture Minister (Mr Soames) arrived last night. German leaders wiho had backed Britain’s entry, such as Professor Einhard and Dr. Schroeder, were in a dilemma, Reuter's Bonn correspondent reported. Their efforts to continue the Brussels talks were blunted by their reluctance to weaken the market by publicly opposing France. Dr. Adenauer was not atone among German leadens in considering the Bonn-Paris treaty as vital to a united Europe, said the correspondent. Bonn observers said German efforts at present were limited to gain time.