611.5131/513: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Herrick) to the Secretary of State

[Paraphrase]

128. At the Foreign Office today I was told informally that under the French tariff to be enacted the relative position of American commerce will be maintained for the present. I gathered that this decision had been reached in hope that negotiations might be started soon for a new commercial treaty between the United States and France. Inference was that if such a treaty proved impossible of realization same relative position would not be maintained.

Referring to commercial attachés inquiry regarding possible statement, it is my opinion that no statement should be released.

Herrick