4
61. The enlargement of the Community would create a framework for more harmonious relationships in Western Europe. The relationships between Europe and the other countries of the world, particularly the United States, the Soviet Union and, one day, China would become more evenly balanced. A Europe united would have the means of recovering the position in the world which Europe divided has lost.
62. The choice for Britain is clear. Either we choose to enter the Community and join in building a strong Europe on the foundations which the Six have laid; or we choose to stand aside from this great enterprise and seek to maintain our interests from the narrow-and narrowing-base we have known in recent years. As a full member of the Community we would have more opportunity and strength to influence events than we could possibly have on our own: Europe with the United Kingdom in her councils would be stronger and more influential than Europe without us.
63. A decision not to join, when at last we have the power to do so, would be a rejection of an historic opportunity and a reversal of the whole direction of British policy under successive Governments during the last decade. No one can predict the consequences of such a reversal. They would touch all aspects of our national life, and affect our future as much as, if not more than, acceptance of the opportunities now offered to us.
64. In a single generation we should have renounced an imperial past and rejected a European future. Our friends everywhere would be dismayed. They would rightly be as uncertain as ourselves about our future role and place in the world. Meanwhile the present Communities would continue to grow in strength and unity without us. Our power to influence the Communities would steadily diminish, while the Communities' power to affect our future would as steadily increase.
65. Her Majesty's Government believe that the terms which have been negotiated are fair and reasonable, and provide this country with an opportunity which may never recur. They will accordingly invite Parliament to approve a decision in principle that the United Kingdom should take up full membership of the Communities on this basis. They believe that such a decision would be in the best interests of the peace, security and prosperity, not only of the British people, but of the peoples of Western Europe and of the world as a whole.
66. Every historic choice involves challenge as well as opportunity. Her Majesty's Government are convinced that the right decision for us is to accept the challenge, seize the
seize the opportunity and join the European Communities.
17
122483
c* 2
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.