681.003/90: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Straus)
500. Statements made by Laboulaye in recent conversations with Phillips and despatches and telegrams from Blake at Tangier indicate France may be preparing to put into effect after January 1, 1935, complete new customs régime in Morocco which, as we see it, from the information at hand, would constitute violation of the principle of commercial liberty as guaranteed in the treaties, and a serious threat [Page 876] to our trade with that country. You are requested to advise the Ministry for Foreign Affairs that this Government has some representations to make with respect to the French proposals and that these views are outlined in a despatch which is being sent by pouch tomorrow (Tuesday).