Office of the Historian

394.31/4—251: Telegram

The Chairman of the United States Delegation to the Special Session of the Contracting Parties to GATT (Corse) to the Secretary of State

restricted
priority
Torquay, April 2, 1951—9 a. m.

634. Fol proposal result of informal night mtg Melander’s Hotel. To be circulated as chairman’s proposal for consideration April 2, 4 p. m. Torquay time.

“The contracting parties having considered letter and memo (CP/ 103) received from dels (names of countries signing memo) on the subject disparities in level European tariffs;

Invite aforementioned CP’s and acceding govts submit considered proposals for multilateral or other procedures designed achieve on non-discriminatory basis a reduction of disparities in tariffs of European countries concerned, taking into account to extent necessary disparities in economic and social structures of different countries;

Establish an intersessional WP with fol terms ref:

(a)
To consider, in light their compatibility with general principles GATT, proposals submitted in response to above invitation and to formulate such recommendations as may be necessary to fit the proposals into framework of GATT;
(b)
To consider problems that may arise in relation to securing adequate compensation from such other countries as may be likely to benefit from non-discriminatory extension to them of arrangements proposed;
(c)
To review continuing efficacy of negotiating procedures, as tested in conf held at Geneva, Annecy and Torquay, and to recommend such adjustments or adaptations as may appear desirable and practical to improve the opportunities of countries with relatively low tariffs to negotiate for reduction of rates by countries with relatively high tariffs;
(d)
To report not later than 17 August 1951 (I) its findings in respect (a) (b) above and (II) progress on (c).”

WP wld be composed Can, US, UK, Fr, Italy, Den, India, Cuba, Brazil, Australia, Belgium, Neth. It wld elect its own chairman and meet initially at Geneva, place or places subsequent mtgs to be determined by WP.

Sent Dept 634, rptd info London 250, Paris 63 for OSR.

Corse