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Published on 11/09/1998 All articles from this issue

Former English prime minister John Major discusses impending changes in Europe

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By Clyde Noel

Special to the Town Crier

Some say nice guys finish last, and that was probably true when John Major, who served as prime minister of the United Kingdom from 1990 to 1997, and his Labor Party were ousted by the Tories and Tony Blair became prime minister.Now Major is on the speaker circuit talking about world affairs.

Speaking at Foothill College's Celebrity Forum last Friday, Major discussed with the Flint Center audience how American and English military, political and intelligence are closer aligned than that of other nations.

"We are the largest investors in each other's nation," Major said. "The U.S. investment in England is greater than the total U.S. investment in Asia, but we have dissimilarities, like our 650 members in the Chamber of the House of Commons."

Major explained the world is becoming more interdependent than ever before. "Our only guide is the speed in which it develops," he said. "There is presently turmoil in Russia with profound changes going on with their quest for consumerism, and they look to the west for their economic well being.

"Being in Russia is like a small child looking through a store window and knowing nothing is yours. What lies ahead after Boris Yeltsin leaves office is a big question mark. Corruption is rife and business is done by a Middle Ages barter system, but it's still a political and military giant to be recognized," Major said.

According to Major, one change that's on schedule is becoming a greater challenge than anticipated. The European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), due to start Jan. 1, will be a big and potentially risky step, both politically and economically, he said. The union started out as a common market for six nations. Now 15 nations will form it, and in 10 more years, 25 nations will comprise the alliance.

"The reason for the union is peace. Bringing all those countries in means a greater security to Europe. Unification means building a great Europe," Major said.

Eleven of the members will adopt the euro, established as the monetary standard. The change creates a single bank and a single currency.

"This is a risky decision. It's a political decision that takes on the economic structure. There is a real danger here because southern European countries have less efficient economies and won't be able to compete with the northern European countries," Major said. "Because of the risk, the pound sterling will not be included. The euro will make Europe more competitive, but if it fails, the dollar will become a safe haven. No one knows which way it will go."

Major said that Saddam Hussein has pushed the international community to the wall. "He has developed nuclear and biological weapons and has used them on his own people, and we can't be sure where he will use them next," he said.

"It's intolerable. We must give him no latitude. If he continues, within two years he will use weapons on Tel Aviv.

"I will tell you that every country in Europe should support the United States and do what is necessary to curtail his motives," Major said. His recommendation drew applause from the packed house.

Major was born in England in 1943 and was raised in a run-down district of London. He left school at 16.

Major became prime minister in 1990, succeeding Margaret Thatcher.

He won high marks from Britons for his calm and effective leadership style. However, he ran into trouble during the mad cow crisis when 10 people died from eating infected British beef. The deaths raised questions about his toughness.

He was ousted May 1, 1997 by the Labor Party, but Major claims the Labor Party is now following his policies.