651.113/120a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Straus)
131. This morning’s New York Times reports that France has completed an agreement with the Italians1 similar to the Belgian agreement2 which removes from Italian products imported into France the French turnover tax. You will recall that at the time of the Franco-Belgian agreement we made representations to the effect that this discrimination should be rectified particularly in respect of copper. American copper interests are again pressing the Department with regard to this matter.
You are requested to present a protest either orally or in writing, as you may deem more appropriate, to the French Government, saying that this Government cannot recognize this method of discrimination in favor [Page 156] of third countries on the excuse that such preferential treatment arises out of an effort on the part of France to avoid double taxation.