UNITED STATES - HARBOUR MAINTENANCE TAX

                                                     Request to Join Consultations

                                                      Communication from Japan

        The following communication, dated 26 February 1998, from the Permanent Mission of Japan to the Permanent Mission of the United States, to the Permanent Delegation of the European Commission and to the Dispute Settlement Body, is circulated in accordance with Article 4.11 of the DSU.

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        Pursuant to paragraph 11 of Article 4 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes, the Government of Japan hereby notifies the Government of the United States that, in light of the substantial trade interest of Japan, it desires to be joined in the consultations requested by the European Communities in a communication circulated to WTO Members on 6 February 1998 (WT/DS118/1) entitled “United States - Harbour Maintenance Tax”.