Early this year the US Administration made reference to "a marked improvement in the relations between the EC and the USA over the period of the last three years" - an astonishing statement in the light of the mounting non-tariff obstacles to trade between the EC and the USA.

Talks began early in March in Geneva between the members of the extended EEC and their trading partners. These negotiations are being held in accordance with GATT Statute which insists that third countries must be compensated for any disadvantages they may suffer as a consequence of Great...