6;1 STAT. ] (N:I;AI. A ;lIE.IENM' (ONTARIFFS ANI TRAI )E-(,T . 30. 1!47 that the trade of the contracting party initiating the procedure is adversely affected, shall submit their views to the parties with the aim of achieving a settlement of the matter in question which is satisfactory to the parties and to the CONTRACTING PARTIES. If no such settlement is reached and if the CONTRACTING PARTIES determine that the restrictions are being applied inconsistently with the provisions of paragraphs 2 or 3 of this Article or with those of Article XIII (subject to the provisions of Article XIV), they shall recommend the withdrawal or modification of the restrictions. If the restrictions are not withdrawn or modified in accordance with the recommendation of the CONTRACTING PARTIES within sixty days, they may release any contracting party from specified obligations under this Agreueont towards the contracting party applying the restrictions. (e) It is recognized that premature disclosure of the pros- pective application, withdrawal or modification of any restrict- ion under this Article might stimulate speculative trade and financial movements which would tend to defeat the purposes of this Article. Accordingly, the CONTRACTING PARTIES shall make provision for the observance of the utmost secrecy in the conduct of any consultation. 5. If there is a persistent and widespread application of import restrictions under this Article, indicating the existence of a general disequilibrium which is restricting international trade, the CONTRACTING PARTIES shall initiate discussions to consider whether other measures might be taken, either by those contracting parties whose balances of payments are under pressure A39
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