Britain Believed Nearer E.E.C.

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30979, 8 February 1966, Page 17

Britain Believed Nearer E.E.C.

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, Feb. 7. The belief is growing that British membership in the Common Market will soon be possible, the “New York Times” reports. Britain's chances of joining the market have waxed and waned so often that scepticism would be natural.

But speculation seems now to be based on significant changes of attitude—in Europe and Britain.

West Germany emerged from the Luxembourg negotiations as a powerful political force—and one determined, at least on this issue, to stand up to President de Gaulle. Her economic strength was for the first time reflected in political leadership in the market. AN ALLY Besides a balancing force. President de Gaulle may also think of Britain as likely to side with him in opposing too swift a growth of supranational institutions in the market. He would expect the British to share his nervousness about German power. Moreover, both major parties in Britain favour improvement of relations with Eastern Europe. This fits in with the French policy of rapprochement, on which the West German Government is hardly enthusiastic. There are domestic political reasons leading General

de Gaulle towards admitting Britain.

His attitude toward the market was generally be< lieved to have been a majof reason for his relatively weak showing in the first round ot the French Presidential elec< tion, and he may want to strengthen his hand before the 1967 Parliamentary elec* firms.

The change sensed across the Channel is in the attitude of President de Gaulle, who vetoed Britain’s application in 1963.

Now, many feel, he may want Britain in to balance the growing power of West Germany. In Britain, the idea is gaining strength as informed persons grow progressively disillusioned about the future of the Commonwealth, especially as an economic framework for Britain. POWER BALANCE

The balance of power within the European Economic Community has undergone a notable shift since 1963. This was dramatised at the Luxembourg meetings that have just ended the market’s crisis.