the Vinine
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Brief No. 4
CONSULTATIONS WITH HONG KONG
23-25 NOVE' BER 1970
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HONG KONG AND THE GATT
Although it is not on the Agenda proposed by Hong Kong, it
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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 tothe Common Narket was raised by
Hong Kong officials in the 1967 consultations. On that 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.
HONG KONG'S FRESENT 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.........
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ARTICLE XXIV: 1.
"The provisions of this Agreement shall apply to
the metropolitan Customs territories of the contracting
parties and to any other Customs territories in respect
1.