1.
GV E.E.C. Building
0.08

2.
GV & CU INTERIOR..Barber seated (2 shots)
0.16

3.
GV Pressmen
0.21

4.
CU Barber speaks
1.26

5.
GV Newsmen
1.30

6.
SV Barber continues
2.05


TRANSCRIPT: SEQ. 6: "After many years of waiting, we have the opportunity to build together a Europe with a coherent character of its own. Our defence interests are identical. And our political interests are growing closer every day. All this we already have in common, and all this will help us to succeed. The problems which we have to solve in these negotiations which started in this room this morning, are problems which are common problems: how to enable an enlarged community to function effectively, and to function effectively in the interests of all. As for our purpose in enlarging the communities, it is, as I have said, to ensure and to increase the future prosperity and influence of Europe, whose civilisation and whose history are our common heritage. I am asked first of all about Commonwealth countries, especially their trading interests and the procedure for consultations. Well, as you know, there has been over the years established a very good and effective means of consultation, which existed under the previous government, and the same means of consultation will exist under this government. And there is no problem at all, I can assure you, of this. If any Australian minister wishes to see me at any time, of course, I shall be only to delighted to see him, or indeed any other representative of Australia. And quite clearly there are matters which we shall have to take into account in these negotiations, and this we shall most certainly do."




Initials AH/MR/ES


EDITORS: PLEASE REFER TO OUR PROD. NO. 6187/70, SERVICED 30 JUNE 70

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Britain's traditional ties with Commonwealth countries will be kept under constant review during negotiations for entry into the European Common Market. When the talks started yesterday (Tuesday) in Luxembourg, Mr Anthony Barber, Britain's chief negotiator, told a news conference that he would be willing to discuss mutual interests with Commonwealth leaders at any time.

Mr Barber, the newly-appointed British European Affairs Minister, suggested that the Six Common Market countries -- France, West Germany, Italy, Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg -- should look beyond their present treaty commitments to the sphere of defence co-operation.

He also hinted at British support for the eventual political union of Western Europe. But, added Mr Barber, there are also problems to be overcome -- notably the equitable sharing of the community's agricultural budget and other costs: