Why the General said No
Geoffrey Warner
Based upon recently published volumes of French diplomatic documents, this review article examines the course negotiations for British entry into European Economic Community from 1961 to 1963 and reasons why France vetoed Britains application. It is clear that even before government launched its application, was aware threat it posed cohesion interests. therefore pursued tactics delay. The British, who were in a hurry join, vainly sought convince their conversion Gaullist conception con–federal Europe would be independent both Soviet Union United States, dangling prospect nuclear cooperation President de Gaulle. latter’s position inside relatively weak until he won referendum on direct election president October 1962 his party triumphed legislative elections following month. De Gaulle then felt secure enough tell Prime Minister Macmillan quite bluntly at Rambouillet meeting 15–16 December did not believe Britain ready EEC membership. He had thus already made up mind exclude Nassau agreement between Kennedy Mr which former agreed supply with Polaris missiles, although confirmed belief excessively dependent States. Although economic questions—particularly those relating system agricultural support Britain’s request special concessions Australia, Canada New Zealand—did play an important part Gaulle’s decision, political factors uppermost mind. want either diluted or one there possible rival leadership.
International Affairs