Tough line in Paris

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33534, 15 May 1974, Page 13

Tough line in Paris

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) PARIS, May 14.

The Left-wing Presi- 1 dential candidate, Mr . Francois Mitterrand; i committed to opposing < United States commercial power in France and Europe. today spells out his plans for foreign policy. His opponent, the Minister, of Finance (Mr Giscard d’Estaing) has emphasised Europe in his election speeches and Mr Mitterrand talked about foreign policy at a press conference earlier this month, but up to now the closely-fought campaign has been dominated by domestic issues. With the second-round ballot now only five days away, both men seem to be searching for fresh topics to put before the voters. A problem in turning to foreign policy is that their basic positions are not far apart. United Enrripe Both believe in a United Europe, an independent France and an Atlantic alliance without United States domination. Last night, Mr Giscard d’Estaing took a tough stand against Britain and the Common Market. Asked what line hei would follow if Britain sought to renegotiate her (terms of entry, he said “I I •would be extremely hostile.” Replying to a question about possible changes in European Economic Com-: munity farming policy, with ' which Britain has expressed unhappiness, the Minister of Finance said: “There is no, question of allowing the I

unity of European agricultural policy to be broken.” A foreign policy statement from Mr Mitterrand’s Socialist Party yesterday criticised a view of the E.E.C. which it said led to a consecration of American predominance. Mr Mitterrand is com-

mitted to a programme which would take a majority State interest in four big industrial firms and nationalise eight or nine others. Two of these are Ameri-can-controlled, 1.T.T.-France and the Honeywell-Bull computer firm.