FOREIGN OFFICE FILES FOR POST-WAR EUROPE
Series Two: The Treaty of Rome and European Integration, 1957-1960

Part 3: Files for 1960 (Public Record Office Class FO 371/150217-150227, 150263-150380 and T 230/502)

The creation of a united Europe is without doubt one of the most important historical processes of the twentieth century. These documents will allow scholars and students to understand how the European Economic Community grew from the seeds of the prototype European Coal and Steel Community, to emerge as a major economic force.

Part 3 continues with a discussion of the French attitude towards European Integration. There are further files on the Treaty of Rome, the EEC, EFTA and the Stockholm Convention of 1960. There are also ten files on UK/EEC relations in the lead up to Britain’s application for membership in 1961. Finally, T230/502 discusses the economic implications of UK association with the EEC and EURATOM.

A whole range of issues can be examined through the use of these documents:

• To what extent was the EEC modelled on the trans-continental economy of the USA?
• Did the growth of the EEC affect the Cold War and the balance of power in Europe?
• Why was agriculture such a divisive issue in the EEC and EFTA?
• Were the six signatories of the Treaty of Rome equally committed to federalist principles?
• What were the economic advantages for the signatory powers?