 Barber was replaced at the FCO by Geoffrey Rippon , who handled the day @-@ to @-@ day negotiations , under the direction of Heath . Douglas @-@ Home , as before , concentrated on east – west and Commonwealth matters . He was in agreement with Heath 's policy on the EEC , and did much to persuade doubters on the right wing of the Conservative party of the desirability of Britain 's entry . Hurd writes : 
