611.4231/1236: Telegram
The Minister in Canada (Armour) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:15 p.m.]
94. Dr. Skelton13 informs me that the Canadian Government’s official list of articles on which the same [sic] reductions under trade agreement will be presented by Canadian Legation Tuesday September 10th. He informs me that list differs somewhat from that already informally discussed, consideration having been given to arguments presented by our representatives. Also certain articles which had not occurred to our Government have been added.
The concessions which the Canadians are prepared to make on American products are probably being discussed here but they hope to have this list ready by the end of the week before the Prime Minister leaves on his election speaking tour. In studying our list he states that due consideration here also has been given to the arguments ably advanced by our representatives.
Three notes exchanged between Governments were published by the press this morning. While local press reaction appears fair, Montreal Gazette considers the action of Congress in reimposing excise tax on Canadian lumber was a death blow to the negotiations. Skelton assures me attitude of Gazette should not be taken seriously. Although the leading conservative organ it has consistently opposed the Prime Minister’s reform program and is of course well known as favoring a strong protective policy.
- Canadian Under Secretary of State for External Affairs.↩