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the case with withholding tax, the United Kingdom could be successful in convincing others by the intellectual force of the arguments. The approach would be followed in the next Foreign Affairs Council and more comprehensively at the ECOFIN Council on 13 November. It was also important
attempt to secure the support of other Member States, notably the Federal Republic of Germany and the Netherlands. Copies of the Paper would be sent to all
European posts to allow intensive lobbying. The Chancellor would consider speaking to Herr Waigel, the Finance Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany, by telephone after the Finance Minister had had the opportunity of reading the paper. The Ambassador in Bonn had been making strenuous efforts to encourage a positive reception to the United Kingdom's ideas.
The Cabinet -
Took note!
CON
Ban on British Beef
THE MINISTER OF AGRILINRE, FISHERIES AND FOOD said that the Federal Republic of Germany now appeared likely to proceed to ban British bee imports with effect from 6 November because of the alleged threat of animal disease. He wished to alert colleagues that this could lead to others taking similar action throughout the Community. This would cause considerable rest and critical comment. It had not yet been possible to engage the Commission on the issue.
C/Poland
TIAL
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD also noted that proposals on EC/Poland were very discriminatory against British industry and he might need to write to colleagues to set out the issues. There was a psychological problem to resolve: although the United Kingdom did not wish to reduce the help to Poland the present proposal bore very heavily on British soft fruit (notably raspberry) growers. The burden needed to be more fairly shared by all Community producers.
The Cabinet
Took note.
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