550.S1/1044: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Chairman of the American Delegation ( Hull )

65. Department’s 15, June 9.6 I understand that, apart from the conference, and notwithstanding no legislation was sought, the President may wish to begin negotiations for tariff reciprocity with certain countries, and I should appreciate the advice of the Secretary regarding the proposal at an early date of negotiations, within the limits of the draft bill prepared for the President to send to Congress, to Sweden, Portugal, Brazil, Colombia7 and perhaps Chile. It is believed that reductions of duties on principal imports from these countries will not affect products the subject of probable action under section 3 (e) of the Industrial Recovery Act,8 that such reductions present relatively few difficulties of negotiation and promise considerable benefit in the event of success. If favorably advised, I shall recommend to the President the opening of such negotiations.

Phillips
  1. Not printed.
  2. For correspondence concerning trade agreement negotiations with Sweden and Portugal, see vol. ii, pp. 719 ff. and 640 ff., respectively; for similar correspondence with Brazil and Colombia, see vol. v, pp. 13 ff. and pp. 217 ff.
  3. 48 Stat. 195.