Mr Marshall Leaves For Talks

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31385, 2 June 1967, Page 10

Mr Marshall Leaves For Talks

(N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, June 1. Headed for what he called “the most difficult talks in New Zealand’s history,” the Minister of Overseas Trade (Mr Marshall) left Auckland for London tonight.

Mr Marshall carried a thick sheaf of documents to read during the flight, in preparation for discussions he will hold next week with the British Prime Minister (Mr Wilson) and other members of the British Cabinet on the likely effects of Britain’s proposed entry to the Europeon Common Market.

Before boarding his aircraft at Mangere, Mr Marshall said he thought Britain’s chances of entry to the Common Market were less bright now than when she confirmed her intention to apply for membership about a month ago. But, he said, reeent developments did not

mean that his present mission was ill-timed.

“It is important that we should, at the earliest possible moment, define with the British Government precisely where we stand and where Britain stands in relation to safeguarding the New Zealand position,” he said. “This will be the opportunity to define arrangements that can be put forward by Britain and New Zealand when the negotiations with the Common Market countries begin. These negotiations are not likely to begin until September and, in view of the attitude of the French, they may be still further delayed.” Further Talks Mr Marshall said the discussions he would have in London next week would be preparatory to the main negotiations. On his return to New Zealand, about June 25, he would be ready to fly back to London for further talks when the need arose. “It is essential for New Zealand to be prepared for any development,” he said. “Our preparations must be based on the assumption that the British will become members of the Common Market, whether that does eventuate or not.

•-One cannot help but be conscious of the tremendous consequences at stake for New Zealand. If we were excluded from the British market, we would be faced with an economic setback which would put our present wool problems in the shade.”

After his talks with British leaders, Mr Marshall will fly to Washington for discussions on access to the United States for meat and dairy products from New Zealand.