E/FC/T/198 page 6
with India in 1941.
As regards question (d), the Representatives of Burma have
completed tariff negotiations on their own behalf with other
countries at Geneva.
Ceylon
Question (a): The answer is in the affirmative.
Question (b): The answer is in the affirmative.
Question (c): In November next the Soulbury Constitution
will become operative in Ceylon, under which her present de facto
right to conclude trade agreements with other members of the
Commonwealth will become a de jure right. Further, His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom is agrecable to Ceylon concluding
trade agreements with foreign countries. The Secretary, of State
for the Colonies has announced that it is proposed to introduce a
Bill during this year giving Ceylon full self-governing status
within the British Commonwealth. Article 13, of the Trade Agreement
of 1939 between the United Kingdom and India implies the right of
Ceylon to negotiate with India in regard to trade relations.
Question (a): The representative of Ceylon has completed tariff negotiations on behalf of Ceylon with other countries at
Geneva.
Southern Rhodesia
Questions (a), (b) and (c): The answer is in the affirmative.
Southern Rhodesia concluded a Customs Agreement with the Union of
South Africa in 1930 and a Trade Agreement with the United Kingdom
in 1932.
Question (d): Tariff negotiations at Geneva were not pro-
ceeded with in the absence of a basis for the conclusion of a
Tariff Agreement.
The United Kingdom Delegation is further authorized on behalf
of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to sponsor the
admission of Burma, Ceylon and Southern Rhodesia as contracting
parties to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
15 Centauhan tolia