FROM THE ARCHIVES

25 YEARS AGO Britain is facing a showdown with its European Community partners on a whole range of issues, from working hours to foreign policy. With only weeks to go before the crucial treaty-signing EC summit in Maastricht, the Government appears to be heading for the same degree of isolation in Europe that marked Mrs Thatcher’s last few months in office and led to her downfall. 50 YEARS AGO Barcelona 1, Dundee United 2: Dundee United deserved their victory against Barcelona, the holders, in the first leg of their Fairs Cities’ Cup first-round tie. The 20,000 spectators in the 90,000-seat New Stadium frequently jeered the poor performance of the home team. The home side started with heavy pressure on United’s goal and Davie stopped two strong shots by Marti and Pereda. In 12 minutes Hainey scored with a powerful drive. 100 YEARS AGO North of Verdun the Germans delivered two counter-attacks against the wings of our new front. One attack made yesterday against the quarries of Houdromont was repulsed. The other, which was delivered at five o’clock this morning against Damloup Battery, was also repulsed. All the captured ground was retained in its entirety. The clearing out of the fort of Douaumont was completed during the night. The commander of the fort, who was in a dug-out, was taken prisoner. 150 YEARS AGO Yesterday a grand golf tournament, in which almost the whole of the professional players in Scotland were engaged, came off on the Links of Montrose. This great gathering was under the auspices of the Royal Albert Golf Club, the members of which had contributed three prizes of £10, £5, and £3 to be competed for. The green was not in the best condition for securing good play. There were 25 holes in the course.