European economic community :: essays research papers

Britains entry into the European Economic Community was a character of great conflict in Europe. There were suspicions that French President de Gaulle did non want Britain to enter in order to maintain his countrys hegemony over the EEC. De Gaulle speak of the cultural and institutional differences that would make Britain incompatible with the Six. The British governments motives were even questioned as to whether they only wanted to reap the scotch benefits of the EEC. The following is my assessment of these situations check to the Salmon documents.     Throughout document 23, Prime Minister Macmillan continuously states, " I must remind the house that the EEC is an economic community, not a defense alliance, or a foreign policy community, or a cultural community. It is an economic community, Although it is clear throughout the document that the British were alive(predicate) of the wider political agenda of the Six, their main focus was certainly econo mic benefits. I do think, however, that The United states had a great influence on Britains swear to join the EEC. In document 23, Prime Minister Macmillan discusses how remaining immaterial the EEC could cause Britain to lose its influence not only in Europe but in Washington as well. He fears that the U.S. would lucre more attention to the issues of the Six rather than Britain. On the other hand, Britains conditions for entrance the union suggest that they are only interested in the economic benefits. Britain wanted the Six to agree that Britain would be free to create their accept foreign policy, fulfill their pledge to the EFTA, plan their own economy, and safeguarding of British agriculture. These conditions do me think that Britain still wanted to be their own country and portion out their own affairs, but still benefit from the economic situation in the EEC.     It seems that deGaulle felt his countrys hegemony over the EEC would be threatened if Br itain were to enter the EEC. In document 29 a Gaullist minister gives reason for deGaulles veto of Britains social status saying, Now, with six members, in that respect is five hens and a rooster. If you join with other countries, in that respect will perhaps be seven or eights hens. But there will be two roosters. That isnt agreeable, It is clear that because of Britains financial status and agency that deGaulle feared his country would no longer be the final say in the EEC.