INDONESIA - CERTAIN MEASURES AFFECTING

                                                THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY

                                                     Request to Join Consultations

                                              Communication from the United States

        The following communication, dated 6 December 1996, from the Permanent Mission of the United States to the Permanent Missions of Indonesia and Japan and to the Dispute Settlement Body, is circulated in accordance with Article 4.11 of the DSU.

                                                            _______________

        Pursuant to paragraph 11 of Article 4 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes, the United States Government hereby notifies the Dispute Settlement Body that, in light of the substantial trade interest of the United States, it desires to be joined in the consultations requested by Japan in a communication circulated to WTO Members on 5 December 1996, (WT/DS64/1) entitled "Indonesia - Certain Measures Affecting the Automobile Industry".

        As a significant exporter of motor vehicles and auto parts to Indonesia, the United States has a substantial trade interest in the matter that is the subject of the Japanese request.  In 1995, the United States exported approximately $59 million worth of motor vehicles and parts to Indonesia, which is indicative of our substantial trade interest.