710.G1A/287: Telegram

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

21. Your No. 25, November 29, 3 p.m.97 The economic proposal which I wish to introduce is substantially and largely literally section 2 of my London Conference proposal98 plus a proposed revision and renewal or an outright new convention for the abolition of import and export restrictions in lieu of that of 1927 which now has been practically abandoned. The proposal excludes treaties and conventions and only proposes a resolution pledging the 21 Pan American countries and enough other countries to embrace 75 per centum in value of international commerce before becoming operative to the undertaking of substantial reductions of the existing high trade barriers according to the provisions of said London Conference proposal. Concluding paragraphs favor a permanent international agency to observe the steps taken by each country in effecting reductions of trade barriers and progress in carrying out this program and assert the policy of Pan American nations in meantime to go forward with reciprocal bilateral policy. I assume no objections to my offering this sort of proposal. Please confer with President and advise as quickly as convenient.

Hull
  1. Ante, p. 42.
  2. Proposal of July 21, vol. i, p. 728.