247. Editorial Note
On May 31, 1962, Secretary of State Rusk wrote Belgian Foreign Minister Spaak expressing the hope that the United States and Belgium would be able to resolve the carpet and glass dispute through some form of compensation. This letter, along with other documentation tracking the developments of the consequences following the President’s March announcement of the increase in duties, is printed in volume XIII.
On June 4, despite U.S. efforts, the EEC Council took retaliatory action against certain U.S. imports in reprisal for the U.S. decision to increase duties on carpets and glass. The Council suspended the concessions it had made during the Dillon Round negotiations on U.S. exports to the EEC of polystyrene, polyethylene, synthetic and artificial clothing, and varnishes and paints. (Current Economic Documents, Issue No. 652, June 19, 1962, pages 3-5; Washington National Records Center, E/CBA/REP Files: FRC 72 A 6248, Current Economic Developments)
For additional documentation on this issue, see volume XIII.