RESTRICTED
PORT MORESBY, HONIARA, HONG KONG, BRAZZAVILLE, MANAGUA,
CASTRES, NUKU'ALOFA, REYKJAVIK, LIBREVILLE, KINGSTOWN
ST JOHN'S, TARAWA, VICTORIA
FCO GUIDANCE TELNO 079: NEW GATT ROUND
COMMENTARY ON GATT MINISTERIAL DECLARATION
STANDSTILL AND ROLLBACK
1. Participants undertake to abstain from trade
restrictive measures inconsistent with GATT during the
course of the negotiations, and to roll back any such
measures currently in force. GATT will monitor
implementation, and those concerned will consult to
ensure that each bears a fair share of the overall
burden. Developing countries attach much importance to
this provision, and intend that it should be
interpreted to cover the so-called "grey area", notably
voluntary export restraints. But as USTR Yeutter made
clear at the conclusion of the Ministerial, the
undertakings do not of themselves clarify the GATT
status of the grey area, the legality of which has long
been a moot point. Those seeking the removal of grey
area measures will still have to demonstrate that they
are inconsistent with GATT.
M29AAX(6)
2- RESTRICTED
DEVELOPING