SW
'3
DRAFT
1970
Bruf No.4
30/2
23
25 NOVEMBER
CONSULTATIONS WITH HONG KONG
HONG KONG AND THE GATT
Although it is not on the Agenda which has been proposed by
Hong Kong, it is possible that the need to consider this subject
will arise as a result of talks about other matters of concern
to Hong Kong. The question of Hong Kong's GATT status and GATT
relationship with the UK after UK entry to the Common Market was
raised by Hong Kong officials in the 1967 consultations.
occasion, Hong Kong was particularly concerned that the enlarged
EEC, including Britain, having proceeded to a completed economic
union, might become a single contracting party to the GATT.
There have been no developments since 1967 which could be said to
make this any less remote a prospect than it was then.
On that
HONG KONG'S PRESENT GATT STATUS
2. Hong Kong's rights and obligations under the GATT, and GATT
relationship with the UK derive from Articles XXVI: 5(a) and
Article XXIV: 1. These read as follows:
ARTICLE XXVI: 5(a)
"Each Government accepting this Agreement does so in respect
of its metropolitan territory and of the other territories
for which it has international responsibility, except such
separate Customs territories as it shall notify
1.