Re: Please - read the history
M7S
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=britain+rejection+of+european+coal+and+steel+community
The declaration led to the Treaty of Paris (1951) forming the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), it was formed by "the inner six": France, Italy, the Benelux countries (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg) together with West Germany. The United Kingdom refused to participate due to a rejection of supranational authority. The common market was opened on 10 February 1953 for coal, and on 1 May 1953 for steel.
In fact the UK was so dismissive of the initiative that instead of sending ministers to the negotiations as the other nations had, it sent civil servants who were perceived as relatively minor.
Yes by the time the error was seen, de Gaulle was behaving like an arse - that only reinforces my point - that being outside a club, banging on the door for admission places you at a disadvantage.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
