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Salient: Victoria University Students' Paper. Vol. 25. No. 13. 1962

Political Changes

Political Changes

Yet New Zealand's relations with Britain have always been so close that it is difficult for us to the implications of a new Situation in which Britain might be, more closely linked with its European neighbours than with its fellow members of the Common-wealth, If there is to be a closer political association in Western Europe the inclusion of Britain will doubtless help to give it stability and wise counsel. But if the political union of Western Europe Should become very closely knit, if a federal structure should develop, the effect on Britain's position as a sovereign nation with world-wide interests, and its position within the Commonwealth, would inevitably be affected. We realise that, in contemplating entry into the EEC, the British I Government has very much in mind the kind of political organization they wish to see develop in Europe. They will seek to negotiate a form of political union which does not cut across Britain's traditional Interests and alignments and they .seem confident that they will be able to resolve this possible conflict of interest.

This, of course, is a point of extreme importance to New Zealand. We are not only uniquely dependent on the United Kingdom market but we have innumerable ties, tangible and intangible, with the United Kingdom. As a member of the sterling bloc, for instance, New Zealand is acutely sensitive to any developments which may effect in any way the stability or convertibility of that currency. We also have long depended on United Kingdom cooperation in the field of defence.