TNAG-0250-FCO40-286-Discussions-on-EEC-negotiations-between-officials-of-Hong-Ko-1970 — Page 101

The Vinner

Vinin

Brief No. 4

CONSULTATIONS WITH HONG KONG

23

25 NOVE BAR,1970

35

HONG KONG AND THE GATT

Although it is not on the Agenda proposed by Hong Kong, it

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 to the Common Market 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 PRESENT GATT STATUS

and

2. Hong Kong's rights and obligations under the GATT,

GATT relationship with the UK derive from Articles XXVI: 5(a)

and Article XXIV: 1. These read as follows:

ARTICLE XXVI: 5(a)

"Bach 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.......

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