No Hope In Near Future – Erhard

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30058, 16 February 1963, Page 11

No Hope In Near Future - Erhard

(N.Z.P.A -Reuter—Copyright)

BONN, February 15.

Dr. Ludwig Erhard, the West German Economics Minister, last night directly contradicted a statement by the Chancellor (Dr. Adenauer) by saying there was absolutely no basis for hope that Britain could join the Common Market in the near future.

Dr, Erhard said: “I cannot say on what Dr. Adenauer bases his optimism.” West Germany must take the initiative for the continuation of negotiations, he added. Dr. Erhard was known to be more enthusiastic about British Common Market membership than Dr. Adenauer, the Associated Press said. Dr. Erhard told a press conference he did not want to approve or disapprove suggestions that Britain join as an associate member. He added: “But 1 feel that this would not make Britain’s eventual full membership easier. “If association does come about, we would be back where we started in 1961 when the time comes to consider full membership.” The Bonn delegation to the Brussels talks had not said anything which could have given President de Gaulle the

impression West Germany was not seriously interested in British membership. Dr. Erhard said.

It was possible, however, he “could” have received this impression from another side, he added.

Government sources in Bonn said a few weeks ago that Dr. Adenauer, while publicly favouring British membership, had given Genera] de Gaulle the impression he was really against it. the Associated Press reported. Dr. Erhard said he did not believe that talks between Britain and individual Common Market members would lead to success. Such talks were no help when “France says no.” Dr. Erhard added.