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Bigger than Japan. Political union is plainly a long way off, if attainable at all, but what of a closer economic union? The Soviet threat has been largely replaced by the American economic challenge, and Europe's economy may one day face eclipse unless it works out some response. The most logical response would be a vigorous, creative economic union that really did look beyond the narrow interests of French farmers and Walloon miners. Such a union, with Britain added to the present Six, would mean a Common Market of nearly 240 million people. Japan has managed to become a leading commercial power—and a growing political force—with less than half that many.
Though British membership in the Market is probably two or three years off at least, British leaders are already promoting this point of view. John Davies, outgoing director general of the Confederation of British Industry —whose U.S. equivalent is the National Association of Manufacturers—summed up the feeling recently in a farewell speech to his members. "The postwar history of our relationship with continental Europe," said Davies, directing his remarks across the Channel as well, "is one of missed opportunities, and not only on our side. The longer we postpone trying to develop as a continent rather than as a series of increasingly inadequate nation states, the more remote will become the time when we shall really exercise the influence in the world to which our experience, our humanity and our genius entitle us."