868.797/5: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Greece (Skinner)
3. Department understands from your telegrams No. 2, January 25, 3 p.m., and January 29, 4 p.m., your despatch No. 45, January 12 and Consulate’s report of January 135 that proposed contract is for [Page 21] an exclusive franchise for tram-lines and bus-lines on certain specified routes. To this as well as to customs exemptions granted by contract the Department would not object. Should the contract, however, go further than this and in effect restrict freedom of competition to such a degree as to result in the virtual exclusion of American automotive products from a particular market, you should predicate upon such exclusion appropriate representations to the Greek Government pointing out that in granting the concession the Greek Government is in fact consenting to discrimination against American commerce. You may, in your discretion, state orally that such discrimination would be viewed with concern by your Government.
- Despatch and consulate’s report not printed.↩