611.6231/415: Telegram
The Ambassador in Germany (Dodd) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 2—10:05 a.m.]
191. Commercial Attaché has been approached by highly influential Government officials keenly desirous of concluding private barter agreements for American lumber especially pitch pine, plywood, Oregon pine, Douglas fir. Handicapped by existing American tariff schedules notably barbed wire, bale ties, wire fencing and wire rope, they inquire as to possibility of lowering these independently of general commercial treaty negotiations.
While they would be willing to offer reciprocal reductions, these not of significance in view of German import restrictions; indeed only advantage to us lies in possibility of concluding barter agreements otherwise blocked. Commercial Attaché would appreciate cable as to answer he should make.