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A. Letter from the Communities

Brussels, . . . . . .

Sir,

We refer to the accession of Spain and Portugal to the European Community, which will take effect from 1 January 1986, and to the negotiations in this connection on an Additional Protocol to the Free trade agreements between the Swiss Confederation and the European Communities.

As a precaution, in case the negotiations are not completed in time, we propose that it be agreed that for the period from 1 January to 28 February 1986 the trade arrangements between Switzerland, on the one hand, and Spain and Portugal, on the other, remain as they were prior to accession, without prejudice to the outcome of the negotiations in progress.

This is on the understanding that the Parties will make every effort to conclude the negotiations on the additional Protocols in time for these to enter into force on 1 March 1986.

We should be obliged if you would confirm that your Government is in agreement with the above.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of our highest consideration.

1.2 // On behalf of the Commission of the European Communities // On behalf of the Member States of the European Coal and Steel Community And on behalf of the Council of the European Communities

B. Letter from Switzerland

Brussels, . . . . . .

Sirs,

In your letter of today's date you informed me as follows:

'We refer to the accession of Spain and Portugal to the European Communities, which will take effect from 1 January 1986, and to the negotiations in this connection on an Additional Protocol to the Free trade agreements between the Swiss Conféderation and the European Communities.

As a precaution, in case the negotiations are not completed in time, we propose that it be agreed that for the period from 1 January to 28 February 1986 the trade arrangements between Switzerland, on the one hand, the Spain and Portugal on the other, remain as they were prior to accession, without prejudice to the outcome of the negotiations in progress.

This is on the understanding that the Parties will make every effort to conclude the negotiations on the Additional Protocols in time for these to enter into force on 1 March 1986.'

I have the honour to confirm the agreement of my Government with the contents of your letter.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

On behalf of

the Swiss Confederation