Accord in Hague on N.Z. butter

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32637, 19 June 1971, Page 3

Accord in Hague on N.Z. butter

(From MICHAEL ROBSON, N.Z.P.A. staff correspondent) LONDON, June 18.

The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Marshall) returned to London from The Hague yesterday convinced the Dutch Government is aware that _ a satisfactory arrangement for New Zealand is essential if Britain is to join the Common Market.

“The Dutch have a common interest in seeking solutions which will facilitate the entry of Britain to the E.E.C.” said Mr Marshall.

"They also recognise a satisfactory arrangement for New Zealand is an essential if that objective is to be achieved.”

On his one-day visit to the Dutch capital, Mr Marshall had talks with the Prime Minister (Mr de Jong), the Sec-

retary of State for European Affairs (Mr de Koster), and the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Lardinois). Mr de Koster will be the chief Dutch negotiator in Luxemburg next week in the crucial talks between Britain and the Six, and Mr Lardinois will be there in an advisory capacity. “MOST HELPFUL”

Mr Marshall said that Dutch policy had consistently supported British entry to the E.E.C. as being a major interest for the Netherlands. “In that context the Dutch have also recognised that a satisfactory arrangement for New Zealand is a precedent for British entry and have therefore been perhaps the most sympathetic and helpful of the Six in seeking solutions to New Zealand’s problems,” he said. “Although the Dutch pro-

duce substantial quantities of dairy produce and export more than any other E.E.C. member, they have adopted a liberal and outward policy.” The Dutch unofficial proposal on New Zealand was the most liberal yet to come from the Six, providing foi guarantees on about 60 per cent of New Zealand’s present dairy trade with Britain.

“We have had to say , while this went further than . any other proposition, it fell short of what we regard as acceptable,” said Mr Marshall. “My object was ! to try to persuade the Dutch Ministers to support more adequate provisions for New Zealand at the coming meeting in Luxemburg.” Mr Marshall will leave for Luxemburg early on Monday morning. FRENCH MOVE In Brussels yesterday, New Zealand was discussed by the permanent representatives there of the six E.E.C. countries and according to informed sources, there were signs that the French were prepared to adopt a more conciliatory attitude. Although the French representative repeated demands that New Zealand dairy exports to Britain should in time be phased out, it is believed he also indicated that providing there was no mention of a “permanent” derogation for New Zealand, the French could be extremely flexible on the time limit.

Also, in London, usually reliable sources close to the French Embassy did not discount speculation in the morning newspaper, the “Daily Mirror,” that the French were ready to allow New Zealand to retain her present quantities of butter and cheese exports for five years, with reviews at the end of that time of the European dairy situation and of New Zealand’s economic situation. PRECEDENT While it seems unlikely that the French would make such a wholesale concession, there is precedent in their complete surrender on the sterling issue just two weeks ago. This was so unexpected it even took other members of the Six and the E.E.C. commission by surprise. If this were to happen, the tough and arduous negotiation expected on Monday and Tuesday in Luxemburg could be bypassed and the outstanding questions decided in one short session.