811.801/674
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State (Phillips)
The French Ambassador handed me this memorandum6 today which refers to a bill recently introduced by Representative Bland, of Virginia, the purpose of which is to prevent foreign vessels from touching at American ports. This is a continuation of an effort which has already been made in the past. The Ambassador pointed out, however, that if by any chance the bill should become a law, it would invite retaliation on the part of foreign governments with regard to American vessels touching, for instance, Mediterranean ports. I think he had in mind in particular the winter cruises which are becoming more and more popular every year in the Mediterranean.
- Supra.↩