CAB128-94_A1b — Page 134

CONFIDENTIAL

Page 134

establishment of a Solidarity government had been an historic moment but the Poles still had great problems over food supplies. It was important to help them to increase exports by reducing trade restrictions. By contrast, Hungary had no difficulties over agricultural production.

The Cabinet

Took note.

NFIDENTIA

OMINITY

FFAIRS

sistance to land and ngary

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOREIGN AND COMMC WEALTH

OFFICE said that the Commission were following up satisfactorily the remit given to them to co-ordinate assistance to Poland and Hungary. A useful meeting of representatives of the 24 countries concerned had been held on 26 September. The Commission's proposals for action by the Commitself were sensible, although the extension of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences to Poland and Hugo and the involvement of the European Investment Banked some difficulties for the United Kingdom. There inevitably be implications for the 1990 Community Bungee

In a brief discussion it was noted that any attempt by Germany to take credit for what had been a United Kingdom initiative should be resisted, Increased imports of agricultural products freeland and Hungary would be difficult to defend to produce here if other member states, such as France, contrive to keep national barriers in place. United Kingdom expertise was particularly well- placed to help East European counts to overcome their severe environmental problems.

cial Charter

(the ear

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EMPLOYMENT sai that the Commission had now produced its definitive prosal for a Social Charter. It showed little change from the earlier draft. No real account had been taken of the exclusions of the Madrid European Council. Following discussions at official level, the Charter would come to the Soota

얻어 Affairs Council on 30 October.

In a brief discussion it was noted that some of the detailed parts of the text risked having severe adverse effects and it was essential to put the United Kingdom' points strongly in the discussions. An important element in German support for the Charter was a wish to prevent less prosperous member states from using their lower wage

Page 134

11

CONFIDENTIAL

FIDENTIAL

Page 134

CONFIDENTIAL

Page 135 ·