2
it seems to ds that this relation- ship is analogous to that which exists between the United Kingdom and many, though not all, of our Overseas Terri- torics. In particular the Associated States of the West Indies are fully self governing in all internal affairs and have enterod into a free and volun- tary association with the United King- dom which is terminable by either party at any time,
(c) Our own assessment of the effects of such
a change leads us to the belief that the practical effects of our proposal would be minimal so far as the Benelux Our Overseas countries are concerned. Territories are not interested in the remaining bilateral quotas and the only practical effect of our proposal is that it would allow for consultation under paragraph 3 of the Anglo/Benelux Agrecd Hinute in circumstances whore the Benelux Governments were proposing
It to change their trade policies. scems to us that the only difficulty which might arise here would be in respect of cotton textiles from low cost countries. However such coun- tries already have a right to consulta- tion in accordance with the provisions of the GATT long-term arrangement..
3. I should be most grateful if, as envisaged at the aceting last December, you would arrange for our pro- posal to be further considered by the Benelux countries in the light of the considerations set out above.
t
40 I enclose two copies of this letter to simplify
Turine.. your consultations with Mr.
With kind regards,
Yours sincerely,
R. B. TIPPETTS
R. B. TIPPETTS.