LONDON -- Since the European community of nations began to take shape 52 years ago, Britain has taken an ambivalent view of the Continent's moves toward greater unity. It did not join the coal and steel community that began the process in 1951, and, six years later, did not sign the Treaty of Rome that launched the Common Market. Now the government in London has once again taken a rain check as it announced on June 9 that it would delay a decision on whether to join the 12-nation euro zone.

The delay is widely seen as being the outcome of a long-standing divergence between Prime Minister Tony Blair and the powerful minister of finance, Gordon Brown. Blair would have liked to have capped his second term in office by taking Britain into the euro zone, and establishing it at the heart of the European project. Brown is more skeptical, and the difference between the two most powerful politicians in the country is seen as reflecting their power relationship.

Brown, who has better links to the Labour Party's traditional left wing, agreed to stand aside to let Blair become party leader. He is regarded as having had enough of being number two in the government, and to be anxious to succeed Blair when he decides to step down.