TNAG-0341-FCO40-377-Effects-on-Hong-Kong-of-long-term-policy-for-textiles-in-int-1972 — Page 137

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E/PC/T/198 page 2.

Information on these points, supported where applicable by documentary material, was supplied to the Sub-Committee by the United Kingdom Delegate. Supplementary explanations were given by Mr. U. Nyun for Burma and by members of the United Kingdom Delegation in respect of Ceylon and Southern Rhodesia.

On the basis of this information, the Sub-Committee arrived at the following conclusions :

Burma:

Questions (a), (b) and (c) can be answered in the affirmative. Burma has concluded a Commercial Agreement with the Union of South Africa on 14 November 1938 and a Trade Agreement with India on 3 April 1941. At Geneva, Burma has carried on, and in several cases already completed, negotiations with other countries.

Ceylon:

The

The constitutional situation of Ceylon is at present in a fluid state. In November next an already enacted consti- tution (the Soulbury Constitution) will become operative, under which Ceylon will be able to conclude trade agreements with other members of the British Commonwealth of Nations. United Kingdom Secretary of State for the Colonies has announced that it is proposed to introduce a Bill during this year giving Ceylon full self-governing status within the British Common- wealth. Furthermore, the United Kingdom Government is agreeable to Ceylon concluding trade agreements with foreign governments.

Paragraph 1 of Article 13 of the Trade Agreement betwcen the United Kingdom and India of 20 March 1939 reads:

"1.

The Government of India will, as soon as may be after the conclusion of this Agreement, enter into negotiations with the Government of Ceylon regarding the trade relations between India and Ceylon.

This implies, in the view of the Sub-Committee, the recognition by the United Kingdom Government of the right of Ceylon to enter into negotiations with India.

At Geneva, Ceylon has carried on, and in several cases completed, tariff negotiations with other countries..

In the light of these facts it appears to the Sub- Committee that Ceylon possesses de jure the abilities mentioned in questions (a) and (b). As regards the abilities referred to in question (c), Ceylon, at the present moment, exercises these abilities de facto, but it is already envisaged that it will obtain these rights legally in due course.