I congratulate the initiative Committee on their enterprise leading to the founding of the European Medium and Small Business Union.
I know you will understand that the UK General Election prevents me from being able to be with you. I send my support for your objectives and good wishes for the successful launching of EMSU. It has important work to do.
In Britain we are embarking on an historic General Election. The policies of my Party are designed to encourage the free development of the capabilities of our people—Let them, indeed encourage them, to grow tall!
We shall drive up the road to prosperity based upon a pluralist society by restoring incentives, cuts in taxation, reduction of bureaucracy and encouragement of enterprise. This is the way to a society in which power, property and decision making are spread widely among the citizens in individual ownership. This is in sharp contrast to State power and collective ownership. We are at one with EMSU in believing that such a society is a powerful bulwark against Marxism.
The encouragement and growth of the small business sector, including with it farmers, artisans and professional people, is vital in building this society.
The Party I lead is the European Party in the UK. Although I note EMSU will be based upon wider support than the Common Market, all the countries at your Congress will be profoundly affected by the [end p1] policies pursued by the E.E.C. For this reason I hope EMSU will help to ensure that the elections to the European Parliament return men and women who support its objectives.
Working throughout Europe, EMSU has the possibility of becoming the focus for widespread pressure to encourage the birth and growth of small and independent businesses. I welcome its establishment and wish it success.