611.4131/1405: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Kennedy) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 11—11:35 a.m.]
295. Department’s 143, April 9, 1 p.m. A member of my staff was the guest at luncheon today of the senior Board of Trade official who handles the American trade agreement requests. The latter brought up the question of a concession on Douglas fir and enumerated the difficulties inherent in the situation. In reply the Department’s position that concession on Douglas fir was indispensable was reiterated and emphasized.
The impression was gained that the Board of Trade was sounding us out. It is awaiting a further report from Overton before “making up its mind” but the effect upon the Scandinavian countries of a concession to us is being weighed.