611.6231/319
Memorandum by the Secretary of State
During the call of the German Ambassador he introduced the subject relating to the time of entering upon negotiations for a new or revised reciprocity treaty between our two Governments. I stated to him that I could not take up the question of time except to say that I would be glad to urge that, as early as practical after the passage of the pending legislation in Congress giving the Executive authority to negotiate these treaties, I would call together my associates who are dealing directly with reciprocity negotiations and we would discuss our plans and program, including Germany and other Governments seeking early negotiations, and do the best possible relative to suggesting an early date to commence conversations with the German Government; that in the meantime the Ambassador and his associates at the Embassy might keep in touch with my associates, as well as myself, here in the Department.