Faragraph 4
1. This is taken from the existing Anglo-Benelux Agreed
Minutes, but differs slightly from the text of the Benelux
draft for 1967 Agreed Minute in that reference to open general
and open individual licenses is retained. The difference is
not material and we could accept the amendment of this passage
1
if the Benelux countries press for this. There may be a lack
of clarity in the present draft in that the term "on open
general licence" is synonymous with "completely liberalized"
so far as the United Kingdom is concerned, though whether this
is so for the Benelux countries is not known.
2.
The Open General Licence, which is held by Board of Trade
solicitors, is the instrument of legislation through which
specified goods may be imported from specified countries without
restriction on quantity or value. An open individual licence may
be granted to a company or an individual; it permits the import
of specified goods from specified territories without restriction
on quantity or value.
3. The effect of including United Kingdom Overseas Territories
in paragraph 1 would oblige the Benelux countries to consult
if their import policies change. This would apply ́e.g. if
further restrictions were placed on imports of Hong Kong textiles.
There is no commitment in this paragraph to change existing
practices,
But He Kie never backward ni asking for consultations on any arrangements affecting her trade'