The 1963 EEC Rejection

Question 1

Creation of the Schuman Plan (1950)

Answer 1

• Shuman Plan: named after French foreign minister, Robert Shuman
• Set out a proposal for a Coal and Steel Community, integrate the French and German heavy industry, promote rapid reconstruction
• Bind together 2 historic enemies, eliminate future dangers between them
• Foundation of the EEC

Question 2

Creation of the EEC (1957)
(Treaty of Rome)

Answer 2

• 1955: EEC took shape at an international conference in Messina, Sicily
• British delegation was there to observe/encourage, NOT to join
• Arrangements developed in detail, Treaty of Rome launched the EEC without Britain
• EEC dominated by the partnership between France and Germany
• 1958: French president, Charles de Gaulle was determined to protect the partnership from ‘les Anglo Saxons’, Britain/American influence

Question 3

Creation of the European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA)

Answer 3

• Was not clear how successful ‘the Six’ members of the EEC would become
• Within a very short period of time, British attitudes began to shift
• 1959: Britain took lead in the formation of EFTA
• Moderately successful
• Not able to match the growth that the EEC provided

Question 4

Reasons for Britain’s Delay in Joining the EEC
(1960s)

Answer 4

• Few politicians/journalists that were in favour of Britain taking up a leadership role in Europe that was on offer
• Left-wing tended to be suspicious of the free-market principles behind the Common Market
• Right-wing tended to regard the preservation of the traditional trade links with Australia, Canada and NZ, more important than those with Europe
• Belief of this being an issue for continental Europe: France had been overrun and occupied; Britain had ‘won the war’
• Assumption that Britain was still a great world power
• Britain wanted balance between European involvement and the ‘Special Relationship’

Question 5

Reasons for De Gaulle’s Rejection to Britain’s Application

Answer 5

• Negotiations seemed to be successful by January 1963, last-minute veto by de Gaulle
• De Gaulle’s veto was a bombshell
• Other 5 members of the EEC were as shocked and disappointed as the British negotiating team were
• Intervention caused bad relations between Britain and France for some time
• Britain remained outside the EEC
• Claimed Britain were to close to the US and the Commonwealth
• Viewed Britain as not seriously committed to the European project