612.003/752
The Chargé in Mexico ( Boal ) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 20.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose herewith a memorandum from the Commercial Attaché of the Embassy, dated today,55 regarding the reduction of the Mexican import tariffs, which was the subject of my telegram No. 213 of May 20, 10 p.m., and of my strictly confidential despatch No. 6703 of May 21, 1938.56
I have called twice on the Minister of Finance in connection with these tariffs, in company with the Commercial Attaché, and the latter has checked each item of the tariff with the appropriate officials at the Ministry of Hacienda. It now appears that, with the exception of automobiles, trucks and possibly tires on automobiles assembled in the Republic, and two or three other minor items, the Minister of Finance expects to bring about a reduction to December 31 levels, or lower. It seems inadvisable to delay submission of the reductions to Congress further for the sake of two or three minor items, which can be taken up in a later decree. The important thing now would seem to be to secure timely congressional action, since the great bulk of the reductions desired has now been suggested to the Congress.
Respectfully yours,