News In Brief

Thatcher, Mitterrand vie over EC financial straits

British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and French President Francois Mitterrand squared off Monday over the financing of the virtually bankrupt European Community.

Mr. Mitterrand turned down Mrs. Thatcher's demand in the second day of the summit meeting here to limit the amount of money Britain pays into the EC. He accused Britain of trying to overturn the treaty founding the EC 26 years ago.

Mrs. Thatcher argued that France should bear more of the burden for financing the Commmunity, which will face heavy new demands if it grants membership to Spain and Portugal.

Mrs. Thatcher is expected to block any action at the two-day Athens summit meeting of the 10-nation Community. Talks Sunday night on reform of the costly farm subsidies system proved fruitless.