611.2231/128: Telegram
The Minister in Ecuador ( Gonzalez ) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 18—2:18 a.m.]
14. Referring to Department’s telegram 10, March 10 [12], 7 p.m. The Foreign Office acquiesced in the proposed list for duty reductions. [Page 493] However it is very concerned over the omission of mangrove bark, rubber, and hides, asserting that it will be incorrectly interpreted by the public as the relinquishment of a privilege now enjoyed. I have emphasized the reasons which make it impossible to accord binding on these products. I have also set forth our policy seeking the liberalization of trade which would make unlikely their removal from the free list. Nevertheless, in order to refute anticipated local criticism the Foreign Office would be pleased to have assurance that the failure to bind these products for Ecuador implies no intention to remove them from the free list.