Common Market entry
Sir: The present atmosphere of the Common Market negotiations must be causing dismay to all those who subscribe seriously to the idea that Britain's future lies with the Six. The recent French proposal that the sterling balances should be placed on the agenda for discussion, represents a serious delaying tactic at best: and at worst it could be the thin end of a wedge-shaped veto. Mr Rippon is ill-advised to make light of these difficulties. At a time when British public opinion is sceptical about entry into the EEC, it would be foolhardy for Britain's chief
negotiator to stake his reputation on the outcome of the talks. Either Mr Rippon is pretending he cannot see the dangers ahead, in which case he is mischievous; or he is unable to fathom the implications of the latest French manoeuvres, in which case he is misguided. One hopes that. having put the telescope to his blind eye and seen nothing, Mr Rippon will be rewarded with as much success as Lord Nelson!
E. Moxon-Browne Down Cottage, Beachy Head Road, Eastbourne, Sussex
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