During his visit to Jamaica, West German Chancellor Willy Brandt highlighted Germany's interest in fostering good relations with Caribbean nations, and acknowledged the longstanding positive ties between Germany and Jamaica. Prime Minister Shearer had expressed significant concerns about the economic impact of Britain joining the EEC, stressing the importance of maintaining Jamaica's special trading relationship with the UK.

Published Sunday, June 13, 1971

Brandt brings Jamaica assurance on EEC

-    West Germany ‘will play its part’

-    Shearer stresses ‘grave anxiety'

By Gleaner Staff Reporter

An assurance was given to Jamaica yesterday by Herr Willy Brandt, chancellor of West Germany, that the Federal Republic "will play its part" in solving problems arising for Jamaica from Britain's likely entry into the European Economic Community (EEC).

Speaking at Palisadoes Airport on his arrival for a short official visit' and in reply to a welcome given to him by Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Hugh Shearer, who had voiced Jamaica’s concerns about the implications to Jamaica of Britain in the  ECM (European Common Market), the chancellor said:

“We are confident that it will be possible to develop cooperation between Jamaica and the expanding European Community, to the satisfaction and mutual benefit of all concerned. The problems that will arise for Jamaica through the accession of Britain can and will be solved.”

“In this, the Federal Republic of Germany, I assure you, will play its part.”

Making another positive statement of reassurance to Jamaica in the context of West German’s interest in this part of the world, Herr Brandt said:

“By my presence here, I wish to underline our general interest in good relations with the countries of the Caribbean region, even though I have time to visit only one of them. The Caribbean figures prominently in the designs for future international trade, and in worldwide efforts to safeguard peace.

“We take an interest in exchange, cooperation amid peace-guarding in all parts of the world, and we are keenly following developments here in the Caribbean.”

Mr Shearer, in welcoming the German chancellor to Jamaica, hailed him as “a champion for freedom, peace and security”. He mentioned the good relationship which had existed between the two countries over the years – relations which had been strengthened by the ties of trade, communications, technical assistance, and also through diplomatic relations.

On the question of Britain entering the ECM and its possible adverse effect on the Jamaican economy, Mr Shearer was very plain.

“You have come at a time, Mr Chancellor, when we are experiencing very grave anxiety over the effect on our trade, as a result of the negotiations by the United Kingdom for membership in the European Common Market, and the effect that that membership, if and when settled, will have on our special trading relations with the United Kingdom, on which we rely so much and which, if it went the wrong way, would mean economic chaos for our country," he said.

Mr Shearer noted that this question was one of the "priority subjects" to be discussed by Herr Brandt and himself on this visit.

Following is the text of Mr Shearer's speech.

"Herr Willy Brandt, distinguished guests, I am very pleased to be able to extend to you, sir, and the members of your party, a very special welcome to Jamaica, on behalf of the Government and the people of Jamaica. This is indeed a history-making visit, because it is the first time, by the records which I have been able to research, that we will be having a visit to Jamaica of the federal chancellor of Germany. It is also the first we are having the visit of a head of government from the continent of Europe.

Although you have just arrived in person, we have over the years been watching with keen interest your work and your career and your programme, and we have learnt to admire and to support the policies and principles which you have advocated and pursued from time to time.

We watched you as mayor, we admire you also as foreign minister and vice chancellor, and now as chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.

We have had good relations between Jamaica and its people and your government and your people over the years, and that relationship has been strengthened by way of communication by the fact that we are now participating in your technical assistance programme, and the fact that we have recently found it possible to establish diplomatic relations in your country.

"You have come at a time, Mr Chancellor, when we are experiencing very grave anxiety on our trade, as a result of negotiations of the United Kingdom for membership in the European Common Market and the effect that membership, if and when settled, will have on our special trading relations with UK, on which we rely so much and which, if it went the wrong way, it could mean economic chaos for our country.

It is known far and wide, Mr Chancellor, that, in addition to the communications that we have had between each other, that this will be one of the priority subjects which you will be discussing with me and other government ministers this afternoon when we get down to discussing issues of mutual interest between us."

We in Jamaica, within our resources based on our principles, have been on our contribution to better international relations over the years, and, since Independence, have applied ourselves to that task within our limits.

Today, I wish to say that, in all our efforts at the international level where we have had to meet with and treat with representatives of your government, we have been able to maintain a satisfactory working relationship.

We take note of the policies advocated and pursued by our Government, expressed in your own language in your book A Peace Policy for Europe, in which it was set out that your country’s policy is one of security, freedom and peace. We in Jamaica endorse those objectives.

I wish to assure you, Mr Chancellor, that we in Jamaica interpret this visit to us as another example of the goodwill developing between our country and the improvement of those relations. I have no doubt, sir, that, when our discussions are through, the decisions we arrive at will confirm that view which we hold strongly in this country.”

On behalf of the Government and the people in Jamaica, we welcome you as a champion for freedom, for peace and security, and, sir, it is our hope that you and your team will enjoy your stay in Jamaica, that you will find it comfortable, that you will find it invigorating, despite the shortness of your visit here.”

Following is the text of the German chancellor's statements:

"Mr Prime Minister,

Thank you very much for your kind words of welcome. May I say how delighted I am to have the opportunity of visiting your country. Please regard this visit by Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany as a Token of the great value my Country attaches to good cooperation with Jamaica.”

By my presence here, I wish at the same time to underline our general interest in good relations with the countries of the Caribbean region, even though I have time to visit only one of them. The Caribbean figures prominently in the design for future national trade and in worldwide efforts to safeguard peace.

You know, Mr Prime Minister, that policy I am pursuing is above all aimed at reducing tensions, promoting substantive cooperation and making peace safer. These aims are appreciated afield and, for this, I am grateful.

But our efforts are not confined to our part of the world, to Europe. We take an interest in exchanges cooperation and peace-guarding in all parts of the world, and we are keenly following developments.

Incidentally, Mr Prime Minister, Jamaica is well known in my country, not only on account of its scenery and a certain drink which is rather popular with quite a number of my fellow countrymen.

We also feel closely associated with you because the way different races and religions live together peacefully in this country is a model for others arms. 'OUT OF MANY ONE PEOPLE' is not only a fine phrase but, as we know, a reality in this country and, for others, hope.

Relations between our two countries, Mr Prime Minister, go back two centuries to the time when German settlers came to Jamaica to find new homeland here. The friendly relationship created over the years has continued since Jamaica acquired independence.

Today there are many links between our two countries, including a direct air service. We hope that, in addition to official contacts and economic relationship, the work done by the members of the German counter service has also helped to foster mutual understanding.

Moreover, your country has a very strong attraction for German tourists again, not only an account of its beauty but also owing to the proverbial hospitality of its people, and I have reasons to assume that this attention will increase.

We are confident that it will be possible to develop cooperation between Jamaica and the expanding European Community to satisfy and mutually benefit all concerned. The problems that will arise for Jamaica through the accession of Britain can and will be solved.

Let me conclude, Mr Prime Minister, by expressing the wish that the people of Jamaica may continue to look to a happy future. I thank you again for the cordial reception we have been given. "

For feedback: contact the Editorial Department at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.