Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1932, The British Commonwealth, Europe, Near East and Africa, Volume II

651.113/100: Telegram

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

Washington, July 27, 1932—6 p.m.

265. Embassy’s 441, July 22, 5 p.m.³⁹ I have received a protest from leading American copper interests against the discrimination resulting from the recent Franco-Belgian agreement⁴⁰ by which American shipments are subjected to a higher turnover tax than Belgian shipments. While I am not disposed to raise difficulties while treaty negotiations are under way, this matter is of such importance that I feel it necessary to enter a protest and seek for American shipments treatment equally favorable to that accorded Belgian shipments. I wish therefore that unless you think it clearly inadvisable you take up this matter with the Foreign Office and urge an immediate rectification of this discrimination. Please keep in touch with the action taken by other countries and let me know whether France accords their products the same treatment as Belgian products receive.

Stimson

39. Not printed.
40. Convention Between Belgium and France To Avoid, on Importation, Double Taxation in the Matter of Transfer and Turnover Taxes, signed at Paris, June 18, 1932, League of Nations Treaty Series, vol. cxxxvii, p. 289.