611.5131/1076: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Straus) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 27—11:25 a.m.]
368. Reference Department’s telegram No. 154, April 26, 6 p.m. Foreign Office this morning read to Embassy representative pertinent portion of instructions sent Embassy at Washington concerning commercial treaty negotiations which corresponds verbatim with statement delivered by Garreau-Dombasle. Am informed that Minister of Commerce gave his prior approval to instructions and is inclined to cooperate with Foreign Office in meeting so far as possible American desiderata.
Foreign Office optimistic and feels that if a substantial reduction in tariff on champagne is granted it will greatly assist in securing advantages from French Ministry of Agriculture. French Government very anxious that public notice of intention to negotiate be made prior to coming into force of United States-Belgian treaty.
Laboulaye lunching alone with me and should further observations prove advisable as a result of meeting will again cable the Department.