611.5131/517: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France ( Herrick )
108. Your No. 161, April 9, 11 a.m. The Department concurs in your belief that now is an appropriate time for the negotiations which it wishes to initiate through proposing to the Government of the Republic a draft which will be mailed you as soon as possible.
Department holds view that there is no reason for asking less of France than of other countries in regard to most-favored-nation treatment. It proposes to submit article VII in substantially the same form employed in treaties with Germany, Hungary, and Estonia, making additions suitable for dealing with a colonial power and for remedying certain practical difficulties which arise out of the French transit and indirect trade regulations. This article is based on existing law, particularly on section 317 of Tariff Act of 1922.