De Gaulle Fears U.S. ‘Take-over’

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30678, 18 February 1965, Page 13

De Gaulle Fears U.S. ‘Take-over’

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.)

LONDON, February 17. There is curiosity and some speculation in Britain as to why President de Gaulle, who snubbed Britain’s entry to the European Common Market two years ago, is showing signs now of a more friendly attitude. Few think he really wants Britain as a member of the European Economic Community.

Mr Maurice Edelman, a Labour M.P., says General de Gaulle’s chief interest is not to invite Britain into Europe, but to keep America out. General de Gaulle’s hope for close Franco-German co-operation to form a front against the United States has been disappointed by the Chancellor (Dr. Erhard), Mr Edelman says.

“At the same time, General de Gaulle has seen the Americans press on with their economic domination of Europe. In France, in spite of his own objections, the great French computer firm, Machines Bull, has come under American control.

“France is still denied her place in a three-power control of N.A.T.0., which General de Gaulle has urged since 1958. And Germany, In spite of all his efforts, has moved closer to the United States,” Mr Edelman says.

“It now seems certain that the United States aircraft industry will do a deal with the Germans which will effectively put the German Industry under American control. “As for Britain, General de Gaulle now sees that, for good or ill, her special connexion which he once derided is getting closer. “Britain’s aircraft deal with the United States has underlined for General de Gaulle the intimacy of the AngloAmerican relationship. “This is bad news for General de Gaulle. Two years ago he had not bargained for America’s massive economic lunge into Europe, which has grabbed important areas of French and German industry and threatens to do the same to Britain’s. “General de Gaulle sees now that it is France herself which is in danger of isolation, not Britain. But France may prove to be the island. “For example, if Britain's air-engine industry becomes submerged by the United States, then France herself, with her important Airframe industry at Toulouse, will have either to turn to the United States, or, in the absence of an adequate airengine industry, collapse.

General de Gaulle's new posture to Britain does not mean that he wants us in the Common Market, in which he has so little faith himself. “What he wants is a real act of co-operation, represented by joint enterprises

running through the whole field of industry, science and technology. The Concord has shown the way. “Division of labour and joint planning research and development can enable Britain and France to work together for their mutual benefit and enable Europe, the Europe of free and independent nations in voluntary association, to stand up to America’s great take-over bid.” The “Daily Mail’s" Paris correspondent says: “General de Gaulle has already made it clear to the British Government that he fears Britain is in imminent danger of losing all initiative and independence in the aircraft industry in a sell-out to America.

“The French are deeply concerned with America’s bid for what will amount to virtual domination of the German aircraft industry, and fear that Mr Harold Wilson, the Prime Minister, might be talked into a similar move when he visits Washington. “The French hope the final blessing to the various AngloFrench projects will be given by Mr Wilson when he visits Paris. General de Gaulle is anxious to see the projects out of the planning stage and to have results.”