TNAG-0281-FCO40-317-Visit-of-the-Chancellor-of-the-Duchy-of-Lancaster-to-Hong-Ko-1970 — Page 38

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CONFIDENTIAL

Question: Would you go so far as to describe the British attitude as determined to obtain an arrangement for New Zealand beyond the British transitional period?

Mr. Rippon: It is a special problem, it has to have a special solution: this we are agreed upon and it is a problem which can't be dealt with by simply saying "Oh well, it is quite an adequate transitional period and probably at the end of the day it will be all right". I think it is more difficult than that.

Document No. 20

RECORD OF MEETING BETWEEN THE RIGHT HON. GEOFFREY RIPPON, Q C, M P, CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER, AND THE NEW ZEALAND CABINET AT WELLINGTON ON MONDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER, 1970

Present:

The Right Hon. Geoffrey Rippon, QC,

MP

HE Sir Arthur Galsworthy

Sir Con O'Neill

Mr. Tickell

The New Zealand Cabinet

After some remarks of welcome the Prime Minister said that the New Zealand Government had for many years agreed with Britain's political decision to apply for membership of the European Communities. The economic and trade effects which this implied for New Zealand were another matter.

2. Mr. Rippon said that he had come with two main objects in mind: to demonstrate to people in Britain and in Europe the British Government's concern about New Zealand's problems, and to gain for himself a balanced view of what these problems were.

Safeguards for New Zealand agriculture

3. Mr. Marshall referred to the understanding and acceptance by New Zealanders of British policies towards Europe, but added that New Zealand needed safeguards for its vital trade in butter, cheese and lamb. Mr. Rippon would have observed the wide interest taken in his visit and the full and extensive Press coverage given to it. This was because interest in Britain's entry into the EEC was not confined to the farmers who would be directly affected. The economy depended on agriculture. Thus there were many sectors in industry and services which were directly dependent on the farmers' continuing prosperity.

4. The Prime Minister spoke of New Zealand's close links with Britain and welcomed the new British Government's defence policy. He noted the similarity of the way of life in both countries, and said that New Zealand was like six English counties joined to-rather than separated from-the rest of the country by 12,000 miles of water.

CONFIDENTIAL