TNAG-0045-FCO40-81-Britain-s-entry-into-EEC-effect-on-trade-with-Hong-Kong-1967 — Page 135

BRIEF NO. G.1

CONFIDENTIAL

8/2.

SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO THE FAR EAST

FEBRUARY - MARCH, 1967

EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY

PART I GENERAL

Talking points for use with Ministers and Officials

You know what our policy is on this; it is that we would be

ready to enter the E.E.C. provided essential British and

Commonwealth interests were safeguarded. We have kept you fully

informed about recent developments and I do not therefore propose

to cover ground already familiar to you.

My intention rather

is to draw your attention to a few salient points.

2.

Following the Prime Minister's statement on 10 November

announcing that he and the Foreign Secretary proposed to conduct

a series of exploratory discussions with the Heads of Government

of the Six, there was a two-day debate in the House of Commons

on 16 and 17 November. This showed that there was broad

agreement that Britain should enter the Community provided that

the terms were right, i.e. that essential British and Commonwealth

interests must be safeguarded. There were, of course, dissenting

voices. But a national debate has begun and it is right that

all points of view should be thoroughly aired. Meanwhile,

Government policy on the issue is supported by the Conservative

and Liberal Parties.

3. We have given you a very full account of the discussions in

each of the Community capitals so far visited. We knew in

advance that the Five fully supported British entry into the

Community and would be sympathetic and helpful on those aspects

of membership which present special difficulties for us.

the key discussions were those with President de Gaulle and

French Ministers. You will know from the account which we have

given you that the French were non-committal.

Thus,

Nevertheless,

/the

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