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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1970-11-19, Page 7The Blue Thein6 • Pros and consof European BV,C, MacL..EOD ROSS It was the waste of two. World A Wars within a period of 25 years and Nothe existence of 30 .:European sovereign states, which sparked the idea of an European Common Market, 1949 saw the Council of European. and 1951. the Coal -and Steel Community • established, the latter signed by • France, West Germany, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg. But tyvhen a Defence Community was mooted, the very nature of which involved a close ,system of political orgapisation, the plan was * blocked by, French fear- of a re -armed Germany and an unwillingness to' lose any political sovereignty herself. The same six Europeancountries signed' the Treaty of Rome, .in 1957, and in 1958 the European Economic Community (EEC) vv'as a fait accompli. Ten years later (1968) there was free movement of workers, of capital and of supply services throughout the CoMmunity. A common agricultural policy was also a goal which is still to be satisfactorily achieved, while it is _recognised that a common industrial policy is also essential; Yet another treaty set up the Euratom organisation for the joint development of atomic energy. • Britain skeptical at first, later 46 found the E.E.C, had developed so that 2$ countries were associates, with five seeking similar associateship, and three, including Britain, bargaining for full membership.. ' • To, date E.E.C. standards of living have risen and backward regions have benefited from vast w 1 w 6 _y a common; market joint resources, while politically the Community is becoming a World force, to be reckoned with as was " ken „in the Kennedy round of tariff talks. What are the Inducements for Britain to join? Foremost is' a guaranteed market of 185 million, increased by .66 million if Norway, Ireland and Denmark joined too. This market is . a certainty, but other inducements are much less defined in their promises. For example: in 20 years a market of 400 million, larger than Russia or the United States. Add vast ,, political backing for Britain from such a huge Community, not to mention all the opportunities fpr technological development and co-operation. Finally a higher standard of living. Such are the carrots dangled in front of Prime Minister Heath's eyes. But how about the disadvantages? The cost of living in Britain is lower than in the E.E.C., largely because.. the British farming industry is more efficient. However agriculture is subsidised underboth regim'"s. In the United Kingdom from taxation, while in the E.E.C. from higher food prices. In the former case the few pay for -the many; in the latter the many all faay the same, so up goes their cost of living. Some idea of the food cost, disparity can be had from a comparison. of Calais prices and those in Beckenham (Kent). Bacon 2.3 times more expensive in. Calais; Chicken 1.4 times more; Butter 1.7 times. more; Tea 3.2 times more; Flour and chocolate about equal. Afther those there are more Imponderables such as The rise in. Britain's cost of living will mean higher wages and salaries, yet ho one explains where the extra money is to come from, , other: than the printing press. Possibly, as in Ontario, .from secret gold mines located deep in Toronto and Ottawa. But we are assured that by 1980 - the continental problems of an archaic French system of agriculture "will, be ironed out". Short of another dictator why should they be? Then the final plan' Britain will import more from the Commonwealth and export less to them. Another little bit of sugar 'for the birds! And of course all this economic fraternisation is merely the prelude to the' United States of Europe, whereby every State renounces its sovereignty and elects a President overall. CONGRATULATIONS TO D&B 'Service Centre It is bur pleasure to supply bon With quality automotive products. -iDEAL:SUPPILY CO TD - t` 145 HURON RD., GODERICH ' THE ATLANTIC 0 COMMONWEALTH There is an alternative proposal which would cover an Atlantic Community,,comprising North America, (The U.S.A. and Canada) the United Kingdom, Western Europe and Australia' and also what are still British Commonwealth 'countries, as. well as those which have GOl?ERUCB SIONA »8TT RI THUR r ►41%140V 1.!:614'& BETTY ;iGtlIFF. ON THE OCCASION OF YOUR NEW DAB ervice to hold Grand Opening Saturday one+President of Europe. Such ideas are just that — ideas. Beautiful dreams. The problem is how to work towards such ideals gradually, so that they evolve, because they will never. stick if achieved by revolution. Thus . it appears there - is no question of Britain choosing between the Common Market and the Commonwealth, but Australia and such European Free Trade Associates (EFTA) as desire to join. Politically Britain has . always • kept herself "outside" Europe, playing the role of ,,`rider" on the balance beam; ensuring the Balance of Power, and certainly with such temperamental friends. as France, this would be a very prudent course. No reason to achieved their independence. rather of counting the commit herself until the French In 1963 de Gaulle, whom . Commonwealth IN, so that it have settled down to the facts of Churchill once described. as "the great 'enemy of the English speaking people", brutally closed the door on this proposal. - As the ex -Labour Chancellor of Britain- has said: "French Gaullism does not end with the resignation of de Gaulle", and apart from . his • foolish "adventurism" in Quebec, Gaullist policy has created costly tensions in NATO, ,has divided' opinion over South Africa, and has tried to woo Soviets at the expense of a Soviet understanding with the' United States. It becomes all too obvious that perfidious Gaul seeks. to make Paris the focus of Mediterranean civilisation and to . give the Quai d' Orsay the deciding vote as to who' is a good Mr. and Mrs. George Daw..'.. nsumer will have to pay the European The ,arguments for. .and Kim of Goderich visited coi,cpst; of Loinort levies. Food will e,;if.ry-at-allcosts of .. r to n ,f�; , will; Nr, Qrw .y� lt lirs,� '14e111"* P tit cost'E re; Twill -be paid for the E.E.G. ire all political, not Dawson on Sunday. Irma different way. economic. The real question for • Mr. and Mrs. Roy Ashton of _ , Britain to decile is whether to Goderich visited with Mr. and join the Americans or the Mrs. ' Bill Park on, Sunday French. ., afternoon. Valerie Dark returned British business must have a• home with them after visiting wider market it is -true, but why with'. Wanda Saturday and MUST this be in North West Sunday at the hospital. Europe? The Atlantic Free Trade Area, even if restricted to North America, Australia and the European ' Free Trade Area,' offers a far wider area. Forthose who see profits on the European Continent, their hopes are all dependent on keeping the Americans out by means of quotas. The British Government itself estimates the cost to the United . Kingdom _ for joining the • Common Market (E.E.C.) agricultural policy alone at $12 billion, plus a price rise to beat all price rises. How on earth can any country assimilate such profound change in taxation and . financial obligation, while France sits pretty, offering no single concession . whatsoever, . save agreement that Britain shall be admitted, AT A PRICE? Can Britain risk a .mice rise to beat all price rises at a juncture when her economy is so beset with give-aways to all and sundry? Douglas -Home, the British Foreign Secretary, favours no political or federal union, but Strauss of West Germany wants a Europe so -united that there is a ,single Defence Ministry and CONGRATULATIONS AND' BEST WISHES • TO D&B Service Centre B\CK HO E ;WORK, BULLDOZER WORK, TRENCHING by GAETAN JACQUES R.R. 2, GODERICH 524-9836 CONGRATULATIONS Sincere Best Wishes For The Future ALL STRUCTURAL STEEL SUPPLIED BY C&W SALVAGE 205 NELSON ST. 524-0514 Handling Ali Steel Products 04 too benefits from an enlarged community market. Immediately it , appears that the best solution would be an Atlantic Community, comprising Britain, The U.S.A., . Canada, • DUNCANNON life and forgotten something of de Gaullism. Britain would be well advised to -rejuvenate and retain this historic role and then, if she could organise the Atlantic Community, it would probably . be the most effective way of ensuring .American retention of her European interest, because • MRS. BILL PARK before you know it she will be • Wanda Park has been a patient deeply engaged with the in Goderich Hospital for two problems presented by Japan's weeks for tests and x-rays. She is rise to world prominence. coming along favorably now. Recent visitors.with Mr. and * this column goes to press, Mrs. Graham McNee were Mr. Anthony Barber, the Chancellor and Mrs. Allan McNee and their has announced the cancellation chosen son Edward Allan of of the subsidy to farmers, thus increasing .the cost of food to Ajax and Mr. Eric McNee` of Sudbury. � the consumer in terms of over the counter costs, since the Local skaters enter parade The executive of the Goderich Figure Skating Club, held their monthly meeting at the home of the president, -Mrs. W. Craven, Nov. 9. Mary Lapaine reported on the Carnival which will be held. Feb. 19-20. Joan Dieroff, test chairman, informed the meeting several children have' already passed their tests and some have advanced to Saturdays. Judges' school will be held- at Adastral Park in Clinton Nov. 15 with four members to attend. John Williams, transportation chairman, suggested a bus load go to the North American Figure Skating Championships in Peterboro in February. . To date the Club has 205 registered members. It wars decided, a float would be entered in the Santa Claus Parade.' ~ • .CONGRATULATIONS And CONTINUED SUCCESS To Don & Betty Duff CONGRATULAT1ONS • To DON 'and BETTY DUFF On The GRAND OPENING Of D&B Servke' Centre - We are proud to have supplied Don with automotive repair parts and finest quality garage equipment. H. G. BRADLEY & SON D. 53 HAMILTON ST., GODERICH ' We specialize in Crankshaft Grinding and Rebuilt Motors, Auto Parts and Accessories. D IIAND OPENING CARLOW B Service Centre 524-9878 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 {FRSE TOFFEE FREE TREATS FOR THE KIDS * SPECIAL OFFER (AviIabIe With Minimum s3 Gas Purchase) 6 BOTTLES For POP And Get 90° 6 MORE 124For 3OTTLES BP GAS All Truckers Welcome \DIESEL FUEL DEPOT Your sbr"uul ► 524.7427 SNOWMOBILE DEALER D. and B Service Centre in Carlow are celebrating the Grand Opening of their new service centre on Saturday, November 21. Come'in and get ahquainted with Don and Betty Duff. They feature quick, efficient service, a modern up-to-date Lunch Counter and BP gasoline, oil and Iubricants.,Truckers are always welcome at D & B. Service Centre — there's plenty of space to park while you fill up with Diesel Fuel or gasoline, and enjoy a nourishing meal at the Lunch Counter. Don, a Class A licensed mechanic, is fully qualified to handle any repair job from minor tuneups to diesel engine repairs, .general farm machinery repairs and electric and gas welding. EVERY PURCHASE ALLOWS YOU A CHANCE AT DRAWSF095 Vo3uchers Draw To Be Made Nov. 21, Nov. 28, Dec. 0 SILVERWOOD'S HALF GALLON1 ICE CREAM 94 ,, ALWAYS 48.!. OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY -- 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 'SUNDAYS — 10:60 airy. to 10:00 . p.m. Repairs andService To Ail Makes of Snowmobit6's ,.and Saudi Ergines. TIRE REPAIRS MATERIALS SUPPLIED BY KgN'CO