Mr. Wharton to Mr. Reid .

No. 285.]

Sir: I inclose herewith, for your information, copy of a letter from the Secretary of Agriculture, dated the 3d instant, inquiring as to what steps are being taken by your legation for the removal of the restrictions maintained by France on the importation of American meats, and as to what would be the probable effect upon the agricultural products of this country of certain legislation pending in the French Chamber of Deputies.

You are requested at your earliest convenience to make a report as to the present state of the subject of the importation of American meats and agricultural products into France, summarizing the recent action of your legation in the premises and giving your views as to the prospect of an early removal of the existing restrictions upon the importation of American products into France.

It is desired that your dispatch in reply to this instruction may contain a very full presentation of the whole subject for the benefit of the Secretary of Agriculture.

With reference to that portion of the letter of the Secretary of Agriculture which earnestly requests that instructions may be given to you to insist in every way possible upon the early removal of the present restrictions on our animal products, I have only to say that the Department, being fully aware of the watchful attention that you have constantly given to this subject, does not deem it necessary to do more than confirm the instructions heretofore given to you relative to the matter in question.

I am, etc.,

William F. Wharton,
Acting Secretary.
[Inclosure in No. 285.]

Mr. Rusk to Mr. Blaine .

Sir: I have the honor to inquire as to what steps are being taken by our minister to France for the removal of the restrictions maintained by that country on the importation of American meats.

Some time has elapsed since the passage of the act of Congress of March 3, 1891, providing for the inspection of live stock and their products in this country and their certification for export to foreign countries, and the issuance of the regulations made by this Department for the proper execution of said law, and I am of the opinion that the time has arrived when France should he requested to indicate its intention, in view of this system of inspection, of removing its prohibition against our livestock products.

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My attention has been called to legislation now pending in the Chamber of Deputies of France having for its object the increasing of duties on meats imported into that country, and, from the nature of the debate there carried on, having reference especially to American meats.

I would ask whether this proposed legislation contains any provision looking to the removal of the existing prohibition against the introduction of American hog products into France, and that our minister to France be requested to furnish this Department full information as to the effect of said legislation, when enacted, on the agricultural products of this country.

I would further urgently request that our minister to France be instructed to insist in every way possible for the early removal of the present restrictions on our animal products.

I have, etc.,

J. M. Rusk.