BRITAIN AND E.E.C.

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33779, 27 February 1975, Page 17

BRITAIN AND E.E.C.

Warning by Thomson (N.Z.P.A. -Reuter—Copyright) LONDON, Feb. 26. A negative vote in the June referendum on Britain’s continued membership of the Common Market would mean a period of sharp isolation and suffering for the country, according to Mr George Thomson, the European Economic Community’s Commissioner for Regional Development. “Once the Cabinet recommends the terms, and the great majority of Parliament supports them, I believe that the British people will vote to stay in, but if this view should prove wrong, make no mistake about the consequences,” he said. “There would then be difficult negotiations about trade relations between Britain and the Community. I don’t think one should underestimate the bitterness and resentment there would be, and the basic unwillingness to make any concession to the British if they decided to pull out. Britain has strained her relations with the Community over the last 18 months, but if she votes ‘yes,’ the past win be forgotten, and all will be well. If she votes ‘no,’ new trading relations will be made m the interests of the eight other members, and they will not go out of their way to do things in Britain’s interest. “We will face a period of very sharp isolation indeed, and we will suffer in material terms.’’