ABSTRACT

The British decision taken in November 1956 to pursue the formation of a European free trade area was contingent on the Treaty of Rome being ratified by the parliaments of the Six. Since the French parliament did not ratify until July 1957, and the whole ratification process was concluded only in November, it was not a decision for immediate action, but more that no other policy would so well maintain the essential goals of Britain's existing strategy, should a new policy be needed.