394.31/3—551: Telegram
The Acting Chairman of the United States Delegation to the Torquay Conference (Corse) to the Secretary of State
restricted
Torquay, March 5,
1951—3 p. m.
505. Re paragraph 1 ourtel 497 to Department repeated to London as 212, Paris for OSR 52 March 3. Memorandum proposed by UK at tenth meeting MN group is following verbatim text:
- “1. Representatives of (names of countries) at Torquay negotiations met informally in order exchange views as to results in field European tariffs which could be expected from bilateral negotiations there taking place.
- “2. They agreed that significant tariff reductions and bindings which would result from Torquay negotiations, when added to results achieved at Annecy and Geneva, could be expected make measurable contribution to reduction of European tariff barriers as whole. Doubts, however, were felt by some European representatives as to whether tariff reductions achieved at Torquay would be of such scope and magnitude as to permit creation of what they regard as single market in Europe.
- “3. Some representatives made it clear that in their opinion reduction of disparities in level European tariffs must be limited by existing disparities in the social and economic structure and special conditions of countries concerned. Other representatives agreed that it would not be realistic to lose sight of these circumstances and, while believing that some approximation to equality of tariffs should be ultimate aim, that this would not be immediately feasible.
- “4. It was nevertheless agreed that more could be attempted in
reduction of existing tariff disparities by CP’s although it was recognized that
methods heretofore applied in negotiations within scope of
GATT had proved their
worth. They accordingly agreed to propose at special session of
CP’s convened at Torquay that
intersessional WP be appointed.
- “(A) To review efficacy of negotiation of procedures as tested in conferences held at Geneva, Annecy and Torquay, and to recommend such adjustments of adaptations as appear desirable and practical to improve the opportunities of countries with relatively low tariffs to negotiate for the reduction of rates by countries with relatively high rates. WP would make such further recommendations as [Page 1362] may appear appropriate to facilitate effective progress to this end.
- “(B) To report to 6th session of CP’s on progress made and to submit for consideration of CP’s at that session such proposals as might require action by them.
- “5. It is recommended that WP should meet at call of its chairman, who in convening it would take into account the then existing and prospective powers of the United States administration to negotiate reductions in the US tariffs and any limiting conditions which might have been attached thereto. The place or places of meeting of the WP should, it is suggested, be settled by its chairman after consultation of the members, and the executive section would no doubt be directed to make all necessary secretarial and other arrangements.”
Sent Department 505, repeated information London 213, Paris 53 for OSR.
Corse