N.Z. and French views put again

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32629, 10 June 1971, Page 1

N.Z. and French views put again

(By ALAN GRAHAM, N.Z.P.A. staff correspondent)

PARIS, June 9.

Although he expressed confidence that a satisfactory solution for New Zealand would be found, the French Foreign Minister (Mr Schumann) made plain in his talks with the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Marshall) that the E.E.C. negotiations still have a way to go.

During lunch with Mr Marshall and a working session of an hour later in the day, Mr Schumann suggested both a cut in New Zealand butter supplies of 50 per cent and phasing out of New Zealand dairy trade over about seven years.

Mr Marshall told him that New Zealand would accept neither of these. When Mr Schumann added that he had a duty toward the interests of his electorate, especially the farmers, Mr Marshall pointed out that the British electorate would not be happy with a poor arrangement for New Zealand. However, there was considerable joy for New Zealand sheepfarmers for Mr Schumann told Mr Marshal! that the proposed sheepmeat marketing regulation for all E.E.C. countries was not being brought forward at present because of its undoubted affect on the negotiations.

Mr Marshall left the meeting with the view that the regulation which could vitally affect New Zealand’s lamb export trade with Britain would not come forward until Britain had joined the Market and could negotiate on the regulation from the inside or until the enlargement negotiations had broken down.

Several questions Mr Marshall said that Mr Schumann had several questions about New Zealand trade on which he sought information or New Zealand opinion. “He tried to. draw me out on the percentage of present butter and cheese trade which we might find acceptable- as an amount that New Zealand might continue to export to the enlarged E.E.C. or Britain,” said Mr Marshall.

“He mentioned 50 per cent for butter as one possible level. I made it clear that such a quantity which would divide our dairy industry in

■ half would be quite un- ; acceptable,” Mr Marshall ■ said. i “I remained firm that New . Zealand wanted to retain its present volume of trade with ' Europe.” I Mr Marshall said that Mr . Schumann had emphasised , that France would not agree to a permanent arrangement but had in mind a longer transitional period than the ’ five years mentioned in previ- : ous talks.

“Not completely” “I made it clear,” said Mr Marshall, "that New Zealand could not agree to any arrangement which would phase out our trade completely, even over a long period. “I emphasised that we would not seek a permanent arrangement which would endure for all time, and that I thought the French position could be met by agreeing to a continuing arrangement subject to review from time to time.” Mr Schumann replied that French farmers would want to see some benefit from Britain joining the E.E.C. and one benefit they wanted was a share of the British market for butter and cheese.