611.5731/79a: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Norway (Philip)

12. We informed the Norwegian Chargé d’Affaires11 yesterday that, if agreeable to the Norwegian Government, we are prepared to enter upon reciprocal tariff negotiations with Norway upon the return to Washington of Mr. Morgenstierne in September. Meanwhile, we requested that the Norwegian Foreign Office complete the necessary studies covering their desiderata. As soon as we have been informed that this course of action is agreeable, we shall set up a Special Committee to prepare for the Norwegian negotiations.

We are anxious to keep this proposal confidential in order that if our points of view turn out to be too far apart to warrant the successful conclusion of an agreement, it may not appear that there has been an actual breakdown in negotiations.

You may, in your discretion, discuss the foregoing confidentially with the Norwegian Foreign Office.

In addition to your reports to date, please report by despatch, for the consideration of the Committee referred to in paragraph 1, (a) any recommendations you have concerning the conduct of negotiations, (b) the essential concessions or commitments you feel we should ask for, (c) the concessions or commitments from us to which you feel Norway is going to attach the greatest importance, and (d) any other pertinent information you may have regarding Norwegian trade policy, commercial treaties either concluded or under negotiations with other countries.

Hull
  1. Leonhard Offerdahl.