GATT TO DEBATE U.S. CHARGES OF AIRBUS SUBSIDIES

  The U.S. Will pursue its complaint that
  European governments unfairly subsidise the Airbus Industrie
  aircraft consortium in proceedings at the GATT civil aircraft
  committee, a GATT spokesman said today.
      The U.S. Presented its case for the first time to the
  aircraft committee of the General Agreement on Tariffs and
  Trade (GATT) during a special two-day session ending today.
  GATT rules cover some 80 pct of world commerce.
      The 20-member committee agreed to open debate on the U.S.
  Complaint, starting with informal consultations and then
  holding a special session in July, trade officials said.
      "The tension has eased," the permanent trade ambassador of
  the 12-member European Community Tran Van Thinh told reporters.
  "The U.S. Has decided to go through proper channels."
      U.S. Trade officials again made clear their anger over what
  they call unfair government support for Airbus, voiced during a
  visit to European capitals in February.
      In a letter calling for the special committee meeting,
  Washington charged France, West Germany, the U.K., Spain and
  the EC Commission with unfair practices on behalf of Airbus.
      The U.S. Charges that the Europeans are violating rules
  laid down in the 1979 Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft.
      Washington presented its reading of rules on inducement to
  purchase aircraft and support for development of airlines
  during the special session and asked the committee to confirm
  its view.
      Official sources in the delegations said the U.S. Views
  would be considered during the informal consultations but the
  Europeans would also be free to bring up any complaints against
  American civil aircraft practices.
      Some delegates said the U.S. Position appeared to give such
  broad interpretation to the rules as to suggest that the civil
  aircraft accord needed re-negotiating. All these matters would
  be considered during the informal meetings.
  

