TNAG-0044-FCO40-80-Exports-to-the-Benelux-countries-aide-memoires-1967 — Page 23

Faragraph 4

1. This is taken from the existing Anglo-Benelux Agreed

Minutes, but differs slightly from the text of the Benelux

draft for 1967 Agreed Minute in that reference to open general

and open individual licenses is retained. The difference is

not material and we could accept the amendment of this passage

1

if the Benelux countries press for this. There may be a lack

of clarity in the present draft in that the term "on open

general licence" is synonymous with "completely liberalized"

so far as the United Kingdom is concerned, though whether this

is so for the Benelux countries is not known.

2.

The Open General Licence, which is held by Board of Trade

solicitors, is the instrument of legislation through which

specified goods may be imported from specified countries without

restriction on quantity or value. An open individual licence may

be granted to a company or an individual; it permits the import

of specified goods from specified territories without restriction

on quantity or value.

3. The effect of including United Kingdom Overseas Territories

in paragraph 1 would oblige the Benelux countries to consult

if their import policies change. This would apply ́e.g. if

further restrictions were placed on imports of Hong Kong textiles.

There is no commitment in this paragraph to change existing

practices,

But He Kie never backward ni asking for consultations on any arrangements affecting her trade'