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United Kingdom Delegation to the European Communities, 28, ruc Joseph II,
BRUSSELS 4
14 April, 1969
Ma
Bit-1574
Trade Policy towards Japan.
As you will know the subject of trade policy towards Japan came up briefly during Bill Hughes' informal contacts with the Commission on 28 March, the subject having been suggested from our side. The discussion was brief (paragraphs 21-22 of the record refer), and of a very general nature, time being short by that stage of the meeting. But the Commission Director who deals with this subject, Ernst, made it very clear that he would like. to continue the discussion later; and Bill Hughes agreed that this could be useful.
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I think we should now consider following this up. Seen from here, there would seem to be advantage in doing so, albeit in a low key; we could easily say to Ernst that, if he found the opportunity to visit London in the next few months, we would welcome an opportunity to discuss with him in greater depth, the question of trade policy towards Japan. Clearly we would not stand to gain greatly by any such exchange of views; but it should serve to improve our already good working relations with the Commission in the trade policy field. Moreover since, in Community terms, trade policy towards Japan is very closely connected with the evolution of a common commercial policy (Ernst himself handles both questions) this could provide a useful opportunity to get a fuller understanding of the Commission's position on this latter question which is likely to be of considerable importance in Community politics between now and the end of the year.
(F.H. Jackson)
J. Ingram, Esq.,
Board of Trade,
1, Victoria Street,
LONDON, S.W.1.
Copy to J.A.Robinson, Esq., European Integration Dept.,F.C.O.
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