Office of the Historian

851.4061 Motion Pictures/223: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in France (Marriner)

Washington, October 4, 1935—6 p.m.

396. Your despatch 2162.33 You are requested to make formal inquiry of the French Government concerning the nature of the proposed [Page 240] film decree on the grounds that press reports and rumors indicate that American film interests may be materially injured by its provisions.

For your information, in connection with the trade agreement we have requested (a) permits to show 100 dubbed films; (b) permits to show original version films in 10 theaters in Paris and 20 theaters in other departments; (c) quota of 93,900 kilograms. The proposed decree would have the effect of making any valuable concession on films impossible, thus jeopardizing the whole trade agreement.

You may use your discretion as to whether to make representations to the French authorities verbally or in writing but you are requested to impress energetically upon them the lamentable effect the promulgation of such a decree during trade negotiations would have upon American opinion.

Hull
  1. Despatch No. 2162, September 12; not printed.↩