611.5131/854: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Edge) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:27 p.m.]
536. Department’s 324, September 15, 8 p.m. In my telegram 535, September 16, 5 p.m.,59 I have outlined and commented upon the French counterproposals in our commercial treaty negotiations. In that telegram I have urged you to accept the French proposals except in the few places indicated where I hope to be able to effect alterations. At the time of such economic strife in Europe and the uncertainty as to future commercial policies interlinking [sic] France I feel that it would be unfortunate for the Department to lose the present opportunity of gaining a trade position for the United States better than it has occupied in many years. There is absolutely no possibility of obtaining de jure most-favored-nation treatment from [Page 250] France under present policies and probably for a long time to come as it is on the point of cancelling its treaties of this character. The Minister of Commerce has confidentially informed me that the most important one, that is with Germany, is to be denounced at an early date.
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