U.K. MARKET BID

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30153, 10 June 1963, Page 16

U.K. MARKET BID

‘Application Stands’

(N.Z.P A.-Reuter— CopynpU) WASHINGTON, June 7.

The failure of Britain’s bid to join the Common Market had been a considerable setback to the Government, the chairman of the Conservative Party (Mr I. N. Macleod) said in Washington today

“Of course it was. On this issue we could, and would, have won a Genera] Election,” he said. Mr Macleod aaid the British people. particularly the younger people, recognised that it was natural and right without in any way changing the close links with the allies and the Commonwealth, that the Government should move to a common understanding with the countries of Western Europe. The application to join the Common Market stood.. although there was no prospect at the present time of fruitful negotiations. “Yet some day,* although the chapter is closed, the book will be opened again,” he said

The Government should do everything it could to maintain contact, to keep open all the bridges, so that it might one day be possible to move along them." he added. Mr Macleod said a General Election in Britain was possible in October this year, although it was "extremely unlikely.” "Therefore, it will be most probably some time in 1964.” he said.