Britain and the new Europe
Sir: Common policy is more urgent than common market. We may not get terms for full member- ship of the EEC compatible with our national, EFTA and Commonwealth interests; yet, unless we would rather be second-class Americans than first-grade Europeans, we must establish our 'special relationship' with the Continent and work for an agreed diplomacy, defence policy and de- fence production (including the next generation of nuclear weapons systems).
The 'Entente Concordiale' is a fact. European partnerships in other spheres should be pressed forward. The Elysde treaty for Franco-German consultation and cooperation as between sovereign associates could be extended to Britain and other European powers.
France insists that we sign the Rome treaty as it stands. Her inflexibility largely derives from doubts, entertained long before Nassau, as to which side of the Atlantic our islanders believe them- selves to be. Nor is the Commonwealth the main difficulty. France needs Britain; without her, eco- nomic independence, equality with the us and a sound balance of power within Europe will be unattainable. But she wants to be sure that we share these aims.
Our purpose should be rapprochement with Russia without forfeiting American friendship, truly equivalent Soviet and us military with- drawals from Europe, and a worldwide Euro- pean solidarity. Our future will be decided either by Soviet-us condominium or by a triplice: us, USSR, Greater Europe (linked in Paris and London with many African and Commonwealth territories). John Biggs-Davison House of Commons, London SW1
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