616.003/371

The Secretary of State to the Minister in El Salvador (Corrigan)

No. 42

Sir: Reference is made to despatch No. 620 of October 13, 1934, from the American Vice Consul in San Salvador,38 reporting the official publication on October 10, 1934, of Decree No. 131 greatly increasing the tariff on cotton imported into El Salvador.

Inasmuch as El Salvador has expressed its desire to negotiate a commercial agreement with the United States, the general purpose of which it is clearly understood will be to remove or reduce existing barriers to trade, including import tariffs, the Department believes it has a right to expect that the Government of El Salvador, pending the completion of the negotiation, should refrain from increasing its import duties on products which are principally of American origin. It is desired that you point this out informally to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and report the result of your representations.

Very truly yours,

For the Secretary of State:
Sumner Welles
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