TNAG-0250-FCO40-286-Discussions-on-EEC-negotiations-between-officials-of-Hong-Ko-1970 — Page 159

SW

'3

DRAFT

1970

Bruf No.4

30/2

23

25 NOVEMBER

CONSULTATIONS WITH HONG KONG

HONG KONG AND THE GATT

Although it is not on the Agenda which has been 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.

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.

On that

HONG KONG'S PRESENT 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

1.