611.60d31/76: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Finland (Albright)
20. We informed the Finnish Legation yesterday that, if agreeable to the Finnish Government, we are prepared to enter into exploratory [Page 144] conversations looking to the negotiation of a reciprocal trade agreement upon return of Minister Aström to Washington.
As soon as we have been informed that this is agreeable to the Finnish Government, we shall set up a Special Committee to draw up list of desiderata in the way of concessions to be sought by the United States. We expect that the Finnish Government will make similar preparations for the proposed conversations.
We are anxious to keep this proposal confidential, since, if our points of view turn out to be too far apart to warrant successful conclusion of an agreement, no actual negotiations will be undertaken.
If approached by the Foreign Office or on a suitable occasion you should express this Government’s interest in the successful conclusion of the proposed conversations.
You are requested to submit as soon as possible by mail serially separate reports covering important commodities imported by Finland from the United States, including wheat and wheat flour, fresh and dried fruits, meat products, automotive products, et cetera.21 These reports should set forth in an analytical fashion past development and present status of the trade and outline the competitive factors both Finnish and foreign now affecting imports of the commodities discussed. Special reference in this regard is made to the operation of the Finnish-British commercial agreement.
Any suggestion you may care to make relating to concessions to be sought from Finland with a view to expanding present trade will be helpful to the Department. Information with regard to factors, such as special Finnish interests, which should be taken into consideration would be appreciated.
It is hoped that the Legation will be able to forward these reports so that the last will reach the Department not later than October 1st.
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