550.S1 Economic Commission/46: Telegram
The Chairman of the American Delegation (Hull) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received July 18—3:15 p.m.]
148. Our 140, July 16, 3 p.m.; Department’s 153, July 17, 9 [10?] p.m.77 This resolution was adopted78 by the subcommittee this afternoon with the following amendment:
[Page 724]For the final words “effectuate agreement” there was substituted “see whether an agreement is desirable and practical”.
This phraseology is in accord with that used in resolutions dealing with other commodities. The ground for the American proposal must be carefully broken and it is advisable that work be begun in Washington at once on the formulation of the proposal to be submitted as a basis of discussion. Useful suggestions may be found in the agreement that has been elaborated for tin.79 It is probable that the Government will want to discuss the question with the American producers.
Cunliffe-Lister, the Colonial Secretary, suggested in informal conversation that the question of whether or not we might be willing to modify our present duty on copper would be likely to enter into the discussion.