611.47H31/27
The Consul General at Wellington (Hitch) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 29.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that from informal conversations I have had recently with Government officials and prominent business men of New Zealand, I am of the opinion that there is a growing sentiment in this country in favor of a reciprocal trade agreement with the United States. This opinion is strengthened by a resolution recently adopted by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce requesting the New Zealand Government to favorably consider a trade treaty with the United States.
In the event that the necessary legislation is enacted at the present session of Congress, conferring upon the President the power to negotiate reciprocal trade agreements with foreign countries, and it is the desire of the United States to negotiate such a treaty with New Zealand, I shall be very glad, if authorized by the Department, to ascertain whether the Government of New Zealand would be inclined to negotiate such an agreement.
Respectfully yours,