The Evolution Of Britain's Policy On Japan's Accession To The GATT(1947-1963)

After World War II,the accession to GATT was a key step in the process of Japan's return to the international community.Britain,as one of the main contracting party of the GATT,has played a major role in this proceeding.Studying Britain's policy of this process is conducive to understand the reasons and effects of Britain's obstruction policies on Japan's accession deeply.This article elaborates the evolution of the policy implemented by the British on the Japan's accession to the GATT.From 1947 to 1963,the evolution of Britain's policy on Japan's accession to the GATT showed three stages.From 1947 to 1952,Britain resolutely opposed to Japan's accession,which mainly performed on Britain opposing to give most favored nation to Japan at the first six GATT meeting and delaying Japan's accession at the seventh.From 1953 to 1955,Britain conditionally agreed to Japan's accession,which mainly performed on Britain proposing to invoke article XIX of GATT and invoking article XXXV when Japan formally accession to the GATT.The Britain changed the policy was in order to maintain the friendly relationship with the United States after World War II,and maintain the imperial ex-gratia system.From 1956 to 1963,Britain was fully accepted Japan's accession to the GATT,which because of the improvement of political relations between Britain and Japan and signing “The Treaty of Commerce and Navigation”.In 1963,the Britain revocation article XXXV,which marking the Britain was fully accepted the Japan's accession.The dominance of the United States in the capitalist camp After World War II is doomed the failure of British against the Japan's entry.However,Britain ceased invoking Article XXXV and fully accepted the Japan's entry until gained benefits from Japan through “The Treaty of Commerce and Navigation”,which also reflects the success of the British policy.