560.AL/9–848: Telegram
The Officer in Charge at Geneva (Tyler) to the Secretary of State
niact
1222. GATT 85. Following delegations have requested or received authority sign agreement occupied areas Western Germany at Geneva: Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, South Africa, UK. New Zealand indicates government will probably consider agreement favorably if taken up later through US [Page 936] Embassy Wellington and this probably also true Australia. Uncertain whether China will sign now, but probably will sign eventually. Syria has no substantive objection, but unable sign without concurrent signature by Lebanon. Lebanese delegate (Mobarak) states he personally unable see desirability applying lower duties to German goods with consequent loss customs revenue, but considers Lebanese Government probably would agree sign as gesture friendship US if approached by American Legation Beirut. Accordingly, suggest American Legations Damascus and Beirut urge Syrian and Lebanese Governments sign agreement (for which full power needed) either at Geneva (probably September 13) or soonest thereafter at Lake Success.
India (Pillai and Adarkar) cagey as to whether will sign here. Adarkar indicates any signature here probably ad referendum but has no real doubt as to eventual acceptance of agreement by government.
UK indicates probability signature ad referendum (see GATT 821).
Sent Department 1222, repeated London 103, New Delhi, Damascus, and Beirut unnumbered.
- Telegram 1214 from Geneva, September 7, not printed. The MFN agreement for western Germany was opened for signature at Geneva on September 14 and 9 countries signed immediately. Additionally Brazil, Ceylon, India and the Union of South Africa signed ad referendum. For text, see United Nations Treaty Series, vol. 18 (1948), pp. 267 ff., or TIAS No. 1886.↩