851.4061 Motion Pictures/139: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Armour) to the Secretary of State
429. Embassy’s telegram No. 427, September 18, 10 a.m. At an interview last night with François-Poncet, which was attended by the [Page 1020] Commercial Attaché, the Assistant Commercial Attaché, and Mr. Harold Smith, the draft of an agreement was submitted to the Under Secretary containing the additional clause mentioned in first paragraph of my No. 427 and certain other strengthening changes; for example, the inclusion of sound and talking, as well as silent, films, and the specific definition of the quota.
Without expressing any objection or in fact any definite opinion, François-Poncet said that he would take the new draft under consideration and that after he had conferred with Delac39 he would see Smith later in the evening. Parenthetically it may be added that in the course of the conversation he again intimated clearly that in his mind the principle of tariff protection was the end to be attained.
At his interview later with Smith, the Under Secretary said that Delac had vigorously opposed the new clause regarding the abolition of quota, stating that at an informal conference which had recently taken place between him, two other leaders of the French film industry, and the Paramount representative, the latter had agreed that this new clause making provision for quota abolition was not necessary, and he had even gone so far as to approve the draft of an agreement which did not contain this clause. According to what Smith says, this conference was held without his knowledge, he having learned about it only yesterday.
Under these circumstances Smith felt that there was no alternative to his agreeing to suppression of this clause; accordingly he agreed, upon François-Poncet’s conveying to him Delac’s assurances that rest of agreement, including the changes above mentioned, was acceptable to him.
If this agreement is in turn accepted by Hays and there remains no further obstacle to its immediate signing and to the required action by the Cinema Control Commission, François-Poncet requests that our Government send an official answer to the French Government’s note of July 11. The Under Secretary desires that this reply [coincide in time?] as nearly as possible with the signature. If the Department perceives no objection to this procedure the desired reply, sent by cable, presumably would recite willingness of the American film industry to resume business upon conditions embodied in the agreement. [End paraphrase.]