FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         AT
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1994                                        (202) 616-2765
                                                              TDD (202) 514-1888

     DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION RELEASE 
     INTERNATIONAL ANTITRUST GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

     WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Noting that nearly one-fourth of
America's domestic output is now related to trade with other
nations, the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade
Commission today proposed new guidelines on international
antitrust enforcement aimed at curbing international anti-
competitive activity that harms U.S. businesses and consumers.   
     "International enforcement has moved into the mainstream of
the Antitrust Division's activity," said  Anne K. Bingaman,
Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Antitrust Division.  
"The need for clear antitrust guidance on international
transactions has grown immensely."  
     Bingaman said Congress recognized that need last week when
it passed the International Antitrust Enforcement Assistance Act
of 1994. The proposed guidelines, which supersede the 1988
Antitrust Enforcement Guidelines for International Operations,
complement that legislation.
     The guidelines, which will be adopted after a 60-day public
comment period, deal with international aspects of antitrust
enforcement; the role of international comity concerns; mutual
assistance in international antitrust enforcement; and the effect
of the involvement of foreign governments on the antitrust
liability of private persons.  
     "I am delighted that these proposals are a joint statement
by the Department and FTC because it is critical that U.S.
antitrust agencies speak with one voice about foreign commerce
policies," Bingaman said.     
      Deputy Assistant Attorney General Diane P. Wood, who
chaired the group that drafted the proposed guidelines, said, 
"The guidelines provide the answer to a simple question:  what
makes international antitrust cases different?  The answer lies
in jurisdiction, principles of international comity, and the
significance of foreign government involvement, all of which the
guidelines address."          
     "Our message is clear," said Bingaman.  "We will enforce our
antitrust laws against anticompetitive practices that harm U.S.
commerce.  At the same time, we welcome cooperation with our
counterparts in other countries.  Last week, Congress gave us an
important new tool to enhance that cooperation and we will use it
quickly." 
     Among other things, the new guidelines:
    In reflecting the 1993 Supreme Court decision in the
     Hartford Fire case, take a broader view of antitrust
     jurisdiction involving imports than the 1988 guidelines.
    Confirm the 1992 policy statement that the Department will
     take appropriate enforcement action against anticompetitive
     foreign restraints on U.S. exports that violate U.S.
     antitrust laws.
    Discuss the Department's and FTC's practices and
     policies in seeking evidence in foreign countries.  
     The guidelines will be published in the Federal Register for
public comment.
     "We welcome the views of the business and legal communities
and the general public," said Wood.  "Where appropriate, we will
modify the draft guidelines in response to public comment."   
     Comments should be submitted in writing to Diane P. Wood,
Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Antitrust Division, Department
of Justice, Tenth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20530, and Walter T. Winslow, Associate
Director, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission,
Washington, D.C., 20580.
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