Reappraisal Of U.K. Role Urgent

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30062, 21 February 1963, Page 15

Reappraisal Of U.K. Role Urgent

LONDON, February 20

“The Times” today said that a reappraisal of Britain’s role in Europe and in the Western alliance could not wait, but until the British economy and society were strong and healthy “as now they are not,” no British diplomatic initiative could get far.

It considered Britain’s ■greatest task in foreign policy” to be “to seek the closest association with Western Europe while maintaining that the Atlantic partnership is better for Europe than the Gaullist plans and ambitions are

“Such an approach, confirming all General de Gaulle’s reasons for keeping Britain out, may seem to make her exclusion from Western Europe permanent. ‘‘Quite obviously it would mean that full political membership of the community was out of the question

unless there were a change In France. "Even so it is possible and necessary to build upon what is, at bottom, common between Britain and Western Europe. “While full political and economic partnership is out of reach. Britain must clearly do all it can to develop trade with the community as with Eastern Europe and other markets of the world.” Referring to the question of a nuclear test ban, “The Times” suggested that “a more distinctive, a more impatient British voice in the endless discussions on banning nuclear tests is now due.”

The editorial added: "The abiding lesson of recent months, however, is ' that Britain’s voice will not be properly heeded by Europe until her economic strength revives. “Neither will she be able to trade with the underdeveloped countries that need commerce as much as they need the outright help of the advanced countries. More than ever, foreign policy begins -at home.”