Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1933, The British Commonwealth, Europe, Near East and Africa, Volume II

651.113/120a: Telegram

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

Washington, May 13, 1933—2 p.m.

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 of third countries on the excuse that such preferential treatment arises out of an effort on the part of France to avoid double taxation.

Hull

1. Journal Officiel de la République Française: Lois et décrets, May 12, 1933, p. 4934.
2. League of Nations Treaty Series, vol. cxxxvii, p. 289.