TNAG-0279-FCO40-315-Visit-of-Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Commonwealth-Aff-1970 — Page 52

CONFID

NAT AY

It is true that opinion polls give a picture of the British public opposed to entry. This opposition may be ascribed in part to previous abortive efforts to join the Communities, in part to concern about rises in the cost of

We believe that once living, particularly in food prices. negotiations are under way, these factors will cease to weigh so heavily with the public. There is a large majority in Britain in favour of opening negotiations, and also a large majority who believe that we will eventually achieve full

membership.

CONFIDENTIAL