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ate
He
would safeguard our essential interests.
It is of course necessary that there should
also be a political will among all the Six to
make negotiations successful.
(a) British interests could be safeguarded within
the framework of the existing institutions of
the Treaty of Rome but the working rules under
the Treaty must be susceptible of the necessary
adjustment just as some of our own rules and
practices will require adjustment.
(e) While we should hope to benefit economically
and politically from joining, the Community
would also secure great advantages from our
membership.
(f)
It would be unrealistic to suppose that British
membership of the Community could be brought
about in the immediate future. It looks at
present as if it will be some time before any
real opportunity will emerge enabling us to
engage in effective negotiations for British
entry. In the meantime a period of informal
discussion and preparation will be necessary
to explore the difficulties and to find answers
to them.
Reference might also be made to the relevant section of the
Queen's Speech which reads
"My Government will continue to promote the economic
unity of Europe and to strengthen the links between.
the European Free Trade Association and the
European Economic Community. They would be ready
to enter the European Economic Community provided
essential British and Commonwealth interests were
safeguarded."
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