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countries by Portuguese workers, particularly since
there had been no increase in unemployment in Portugal.
The Government was realistic. They did not expect
Freedom of Movement on accession. But they did wish
to have the same conditions applying to Portuguese
already working overseas in Community countries as to
the nationals of those countries. There was a
particular problem with France.
Portuguese workers in
France would be less well off after accession than now
particularly as regards the flow of remittances.
Mr Hannay said that the question of Freedom of Movement
was politically sensitive because of the present
economic conjuncture which was unlikely to change
rapidly for the better. Assurances about absence of
pressure from Portuguese workers was not enough for
some Member States. The UK would not be in the
forefront in insisting on a long transitional period;
those with high immigrant Portuguese populations would.
We could not, however, contemplate Freedom of Movement
on accession. He welcomed the realism expressed by Dr
Marta.
E.
9.
Own Resources
Dr Marta explained that the Portuguese budget
was very limited and could not possibly contemplate
being a net contributor to the Community budget. They
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