560.AL/11–2746: Circular telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Officers 1
Multilateral tariff negotiations, scheduled open Geneva April 8, will be greatly facilitated by bilateral exchange, earliest possible date, lists tariff concessions to be requested by each participating Govt. Trade-agreements organization now expects have US tentative rate [Page 1357] request lists ready transmittal British countries not later Dec. 20. These requests will of course be subject modification in light views submitted by interested persons pursuant US public notice issued Nov 10 (Depcirtel Nov 72). Conversely, we would like have rate requests lists from these countries soonest and in no event later Jan 13 opening date US public hearings.
Communicate foregoing FonOff emphasizing importance keeping these preliminary exchanges strictly confidential even though tentative and subject later modification. You may also state we are giving priority to lists for British countries because their previously expressed desire consultation among themselves prior spring meeting.