The German Ambassador to the Secretary of State.
Washington, February 18, 1906.
Mr. Secretary: As the American Government has not found it possible to arrive at a decision on my memorandum of November 4,a the German Government, fully recognizing the difficulties of the American Government in dealing with the question, is ready to fulfill the desire which has been expressed to me by the President and by yourself, and recommended by me to my Government. The German Government is willing to grant to the United States for a certain period those reduced customs duties which have been fixed by the treaties concluded in 1904 and 1905 between Germany on one side and Belgium, Italy, Austria-Hungary, Russia, Roumania, Switzerland, and Servia on the other side. To-day a bill will be introduced in the Reichstag with a view to authorize the Federal Council (Bundesrath) to grant to the United States of America until 30th of June, 1907, these reduced duties. In making this concession the German Government expects that Germany will enjoy, after March 1, 1906, the reduced duties of Section III of the Dingley tariff, as heretofore.
May I ask you, Mr. Secretary, to favor me with a written confirmation of this at your earliest convenience, and also to state that the President will issue a proclamation with regard to Section III in due time.
The negotiations in the Reichstag will begin on Tuesday next.
The German Government further hopes that the existing severity and rigidness of the American customs administration will be lessened and that during the time granted the negotiations which have been entered into will continue, and finally lead to a conclusion satisfactory to both parties.
Believe me, Mr. Secretary, yours, most sincerely,
- Not printed.↩