E.E.C. Talks “Stuck, Not Broken Off"

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30051, 8 February 1963, Page 12

E.E.C. Talks “Stuck, Not Broken Off "

(N.Z J’A-Heuter—Copi/rlchtl

NEW YORK, February 7.

The West German Chancellor, Dr. Konrad Adenauer, said in a television interview last night that he favoured Britain’s entry into the European Common Market.

Earlier in a policy speech to the Bundestag, Dr. Adenauer said Britain’s negotiations to enter the Common Market "have not been broken off." ’The negotiations got stuck, bin they have not been broken off,” he said. What had happened at Brussels was “extremely regrettable. It is a serious but not an Incurable crisis.”

In London. It was reported that the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Reginald Maudling. told Conservative members that Britain would not trv to reopen the negotiations for a few years. The Government was convinced Britain should join at some stage.

In the hour-long television interview tracing his life story, Dr. Adenauer recounted events leading up to his dismissal as Mayor of Cologne after World War II by the British occupation authorities. He was then asked about his present feelings toward the British. "What thev did then—my dismissal as Mayor of Cologne—l don't hold against them, but it did hurt me. he said He was asked: “Have you now gained the friendship of the British do vou think? Dr Adenauer said: “ don't have that impression You see I am. for example, in favour of Britain’s entry into the Common Market, but naturally, we must safeguard our interests, and the interests of the Common Market as now constituted Telling of his first meeting with General de Gaulle. Dr Adenauer said: “I found him to be a very wise am! farsighted man We talked quite openly to each other, about everything, and 1 found he reacts well to plain talk. We never had any important disagreement “And so it came about that he developed great confidence in me. and I in him. Whatever happens. I am convinced that this restoration of good relations, of friendly _relations, between the French

and the German nations, between de Gaulle and myself, is an event of extraordinary importance in European history and in world history.” Abo it President Kennedy, he said: “My relations with him have been very good since last November when we met, at his request, for several hours of talks during two days—talks so intimate that he suggested that the interpreters tear up all their notes First, my interpreter tore up his notes: then his." About Mr Khrushchev: I must say he has accomplished something. And when you consider, it couldn’t have been easy for

him to get where he is. I was in Moscow for several days, and I talked to him two or three times every day —to him and to Bulganin, who also had something to say in those days. “We had very sharp arguments. very sharp. He would jump up from the table; I would jump up from the table."

Interviewer: He jumps better?

Dr. Adenauer: Yes, he is heavier—but don't tell him I said that. My impression of him: clever man, clever man. and very skilful. But above all. one has to know a dictator.