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Africa
7. Among the African Commonwealth countries, Nigeria, Kenya
and Uganda have shown little interest in the new British
initiative.
Press comment shows Zambia to be anxious to
retain a favourable market for her tobacco. Press comment in
Malawi has been restricted to expressing the hope that Malawi's
interests will be safeguarded. Three countries, The Gambia,
Sierra Leone and Ghana, have expressed interest in association
with the Community. Ghanaian officials welcomed the British
move cautiously but said they would prefer to await the review
of the Yaounde Convention in 1968 before considering any move.
There have been no reactions in Lesotho or Botswana.
Asia
8. Asian Commonwealth countries are watching the situation
closely. In India the general press attitude is that entry
into the Community would be good for Britain and is necessary
if she is to maintain her traditionally influential position
in the world economy. British entry is viewed ultimately as
logical and certain, the only questions being ones of timing
and of the impact on Commonwealth countries, though there has
been surprisingly little comment on the latter. Interest has
been expressed in the alleged French "conditions" that Britain
must abandon a role East of Suez and that sterling must cease
to be a reserve currency before Britain can join the Community.
Although there has been reasonable factual press coverage in
Pakistan, there has been no editorial comment and little
public reactions.
President Ayub continues to be in favour of
British entry subject to safeguards for Pakistan. There has
been virtually no reaction in Ceylon to the Prime Minister' S
One newspaper carried a factual report about
announcement.
the Common Market but there has been no editorial comment.
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Singapore
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