611.3531/225
Memorandum by Mr. Harry Hawkins, of the Treaty Division, of a Conversation Between the Assistant Secretary of State (Sayre) and the Argentine Ambassador (Espil)
The Ambassador called to inquire regarding the reply of this Government to the proposal submitted by the Argentine Embassy on October 5 with respect to concessions on Argentine agricultural products in connection with the proposed reciprocal trade agreement between Argentina and the United States.
The Ambassador stated that he merely wished to inquire as to the progress being made and to ascertain about when a reply could be expected. He said that the expert from Argentina who was sent here in connection with the proposed negotiations has now been here two months with nothing much to do; that he desired to find out the status of the matter so that it would not appear to his Government that it was being neglected.
Mr. Sayre replied that the experts of this Government have been working steadily on the matter; that they are spending several hours a day on the subject and that it was hoped that it would be possible to say something to the Argentine Ambassador on it in about ten days. Mr. Sayre reminded the Ambassador that a long list of products has to be given consideration and that the studies involve a very large amount of detailed statistical and other work. The Ambassador replied that he quite understood this.
The Ambassador then referred to the matter of liquor importations. He expressed no dissatisfaction with the amount of the temporary quota allotted to Argentina but expressed concern as to the rate of duty which would be levied on wine from Argentina. Mr. Sayre’s inquiry elicited the response that the Ambassador was referring to the treatment of Argentine wine after the period during which temporary quotas are being granted. He inquired whether provision could be made in the agreement on this point. Mr. Sayre informed him that careful consideration would be given to the matter.