611.6531/213: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy ( Long ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:35 p.m.]
176. Press reports from the United States carry statements that Italy has been warned that unless it accords fair treatment to American imports the benefits of the American-Belgian agreement19 will be withheld and that President has announced he is considering abrogation of Italo-American commercial treaty. Would appreciate information as to these reports with special reference to the question: Can generalization of special benefits contained in trade reciprocity agreement be withheld during the life of treaties containing the most-favored-nation clause and will the Department be in a better position to withhold those benefits during the period between the denunciation of those treaties and their termination?
These questions are the subjects of frequent discussion here and I should like to be in a position to understand the Department’s position.