UK-PRO

Material pertaining to British opinion and subsequent decision to developments in European integration following the Conference of Messina and British efforts to promote an expanded OEEC as alternative to Common Market, includes, confidential report from Hugh Ellis-Rees warning on need to point out dangers to Messina proposals. - Various reactions to Messina communique. - Record of conversaton between Mr Harpham and M. Valéry on relations between OEEC and the Brussels Conference and impact it had on relations not just with OEEC but other international organisations. - Record of conversation between Ed Moline, US Embassy and A.J. Edden expressing US concern at a decision taken by Paul-Henri Spaak on British insistance that the OEEC should be represented at all the meetings of the Steering Committee of the Messina Preparatory Commission in Brussels and US fears that OEEC would create obstacles. - Letter to Robert Butler, Treasury portfolio from Harold MacMillan regarding danger of being drawn into European Customs Union, but felt should not disengage from talks. - Letter to Eden from Robert Clarke, Treasury, emphasising that joining Common Market and Euratom would prejudice the full discharge of UK responsibilities and interests as a leading member of the Commonwealth and sterling area. - Letter to Spaak from British Embassy Brussels, stating that UK did not wish to hinder the creation of Euratom but would form their own agreement with it. - Letter to Gladwyn Jebb on neeed to emphasise support to OEEC as proper economi vehicle for European idea. - Letter from Foreign Office to Ashley Clarke on study by inter-departmental Committee, which concluded it was unlikely UK could indefinetely stay out of a Common Market. - Reactions to UK decision not to partipate in Common Market. - Copy of letter from John Foster Dulles, Secretary of State to Harold MacMillan, Foreign Minister regarding US support for Six nation approach to European unity, as opposed to OECD as it gave greater hope for security and prosperity because of the closer unity inherent in that Community.

English

Textual

The originals are held in various Archives in Europe and in the USA

CEM/JMAS

NO PHOTOCOPYING