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PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, February 8, 1980
Page 17
"All these differences tend to push the Europeans in the direction of a
European, rather than anl\tlant�pollcy. Over the past few years�e
have seen signs of growing divergences--in monetary affairs, nuclear
proliferation, economic policy and arms control. Now the divergence has
spread to detente.
"What gives the 'European' view significance is the convergence between
Paris and Bonn. Though Britain still tends to side with us on these
matters, it only isolates London more within the European community.
On the Continent there is a feeling that Euro�must have a stronger,
more independent policy, one that, in a phrase used by Willie Brandt last
week, would make Europe � 'broker between the superpowers.'"
The Franco-German versus Anglo-Saxon difference toward detente comes at
the very time when Britain's standing within the EEC is at a low ebb.
The rub is the size of Britain's contributions to the EEC budget, which
London claims is proportionately too high. Reports the Associated Press
from London:
"Common Market governments have consistently rebuffed Mrs. Thatcher's
attempts to reduce Britain's assessment for the community budget by some
$2.25 billion. The British move has created ill will among market
members, particularly France and West Germany, whose leaders continue
to work together without heeding British pleas."
Watch for the Franco-German versus Anglo-Saxon split to widen.
--Gene H. Hogberg, News Bureau