Anglo-Japanese Trade Negotiations 1969
I understand the Japanese have sought clarification of certain aspects of the statement of the British position tabled at the joint (plenary) meeting of officials on 24th June 1969. I am happy to provide this.
As regards non-cotton textiles I can confirm the indi cation
We given by my predecessor in Tokyo at the beginning of October. have offered liberalisation, in accordance with a programme to be agreed, after the end of 1972.' We expect from the Japanese side a comparable timetable for the liberalisation of all quotas affecting British exports to Japan and for a satisfactory solution to certain, tariff, problems. We had envisaged that the programme on our side would be complete by the end of 1974. If, however, Japan is able to make a fully adequate response we would be prepared to conten- plate the possibility of advancing progress to the extent of agreeing to the ending of discriminatory restrictions by ist January, 1973.
As regards cotton textiles the decision has been taken to lift the quotas on our imports from the Commonwealth as from 1st
I can confirm. January 1972 when a tariff is due to be introduced. that, when this change of policy is implemented, we shall be prepared to agree to the ending of the Japanese restrictions on the export of cotton textiles to Britain, always provided that the Japanese response to our requests is fully adequate.
As regards pottery my predecessor, at Japan's request, encouraged representatives of the British industry to meet and hold discussions with representatives of the Japanese industry with the object of negotiating an inter-industry agreement on the future marketing arrangements thus enabling the inter-governmental control on pottery to be relaxed. I am glad' to learn that discussions have been taking, place and I confirm that we shall raise no objection' to an agreement designed for this purpose which the parties themselves are ready to conclude.
I believe this further statement of the British position effectively clarifies all the points of substa ce referred to in the Japanese memorandum handed to the British side on 9th September 1969. Details can be further discussed between our officials. I hope in the light of this explanation Japan will now be able to meet in full the points we have put to her. In that event we shall stand ready to put on the, agenda the question of the termination of the Safeguard Protocol, for discussion on, the basis of the formula recently outlined to us by your officials.
(Handed to Mr. Ohira by the President of the Board of Trade on
30th October 1969)~