TNAG-0045-FCO40-81-Britain-s-entry-into-EEC-effect-on-trade-with-Hong-Kong-1967 — Page 197

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COMMON EALTH AND IRISH REACTIONS TO

THE PRIME MINISTER'S STATEMENT OF 10 NOVEMBER

The following is a summary of the replies received to

a circular telegram to our posts in Commonwealth countries

and the Irish Republic asking for reports of local reactions

to the Prime Minister's announcement in the House of Commons

on 10 November that the Government had decided to make a new

high-level approach to establish whether conditions existed

for fruitful negotiations for British entry into the E.E.C.

The extent of Ministerial, official and press reactions

has varied considerably from country to country.

general, Commonwealth countries have not been greatly

surprised by the Prime Minister's statement and most of

them seem to regard eventual British membership of the

Community as inevitable.

20

Developed Commonwealth

11

But, in

3. In Australia, great interest has been shown in the

Prime Minister's statement and the press has reported widely

on its implications for both the Australian and the world

economy. In general, press and public reaction has been

mild and even sympathetic. The most favourable report stated

that British entry into the Community would be "good for

Europe, good for Britain, and good for us The Minister of

Trade, however, has said that there is a danger that Australia

will be left out of the world trading blocs. Commercial

circles have accepted the Prime Minister's statement

realistically, pointing out that Britain's importance to

Australia as supplier and customer is in any case on the

wane. The statement may have been taken by some as a

/justification.

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