French Press Not Optimistic

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31360, 4 May 1967, Page 13

French Press Not Optimistic

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) PARIS, May 3. ~ The French press today showed little optimism for Britain’s second attempt for membership of the Common Market.

Most editorials emphasised the economic and political obstacles to be overcome, and forecast long negotiations. The newspapers said General de Gaulle was still probably the main factor in any future negotiations, but they also pointed out that Britain’s own attitude was the key to the problem. The Gaullist party’s official newspaper, “La Nation,” said: “To become European it is necessary to have total dedication. In 1963 the British did not have it Have they acquired it in the space of four short years?” The independent conservative “Le Figaro" was generally favourable towards the British proposal and praised the clarity of Mr Wilson’s statement It said a Europe consisting of the present six members did not possess the potential to command political influence. “How could she believe that, without the contribution of Britain, she could seriously aspire to a world role?” “Le Figaro” asked. The right-wing daily, “L’Aurore,” said Mr Wilson was able to measure General de Gaulle’s hostility during their cordial talks in Paris. “He knows that there lies the major obstacle.” French official circles took a “what and see" attitude towards the announcement Some French observers have asked whether Britain would accept the ultimate aims and spirit of an independent European unity, or whether she would seek to make radical changes in the economic community. They said this applied particularly to the Common Market agricultural regulations,

which only become fully operational in three years. The British announcement i set off a reaction that could ' change the economic face of Europe. Denmark and the Irish Republic made similar an- ; nouncements within a few : hours. Norway is expected to fol- . low suit soon. Sweden may also do so—possibly pre- , ferring—as a neutral, to seek j associate membership as - Cyprus said last night she would do. Britain, Denmark, and the i Irish Republic first applied to join the Common Market, the 1 Coal and Steel Pool, and Euratom in August, 1961. All i three applications were : turned down by the French i veto of January, 1963. i Other reactions include:— Brussels.—Mr Renaat Van I Elslande, the Belgian Euro- 1 pean Affairs Minister and cur- i rent chairman of the Common 1 Market’s Ministerial Council, i said: “As far as Belgium is 1 concerned there is an abso- i lutely clear wish to examine i it in a positive spirit and a i wish to bring it to a success- 1 ful conclusion.” I

Bonn.— The West German Foreign Minister, Mr Willy Brandt, speaking before the London announcement, said: “I see in Britain’s possible entry a great chance for Europe to expand itself and assert itself between the two major power blocs.” Romei—The Italian leaders who have strongly supported British entry in recent speeches reserved comment today until they had studied Mr Wilson’s new statement Washington.—News of the application was welcomed by United States officials who feel it will ultimately succeed. The Hague.—The Dutch Government welcomed Britain’s decision as “a significant step on the road to European unification.” Luxembourg.—The Luxembourg Prime Minister, Mr Pierre Werner, said: “It is a good thing that Mr Wilson has so promptly ended the stage of probing ... he could not further delay this application, say for another few months, without risking losing the benefit of the forceful action he had conducted so far.”