Policy towards the European Economic Community

The British Foreign Office and Domestic Propaganda on the European Community, 1960–72

“…65 Moreover, a speedy entry to the EC might also help Britain to influence negotiations on the CAP in the late 1960s and thus limit its disadvantages to Britain. 66 Hence, to criticise Wilson for not taking a lead in public is to ignore the point of his methods. He sought to take Britain into the EC quietly if he could while hiding alternatives to membership from public discussion and the difficult questions that might arise.…”

“…In autumn 1969, Wilson seemed prepared to support him, and minuted all ministers urging them to publicly promote a positive approach to the EC in speeches, interviews and other public appearances. 69 This prompted the social services minister Richard Crossman to complain in cabinet:…”