411.4931/8–1551: Telegram
The Ambassador in Czechoslovakia (Briggs) to the Secretary of State
confidential
Praha, August 15,
1951—noon.
122. First official Czech reactions US economic retaliatory measures recd this morning from Vilem Havelka, Centrotex official who in call at Consulate stated fol:
- (1)
- Czech textile exports to US will be severely curtailed as result announced withdrawal tariff concessions. Despite political situation, US buyers have been anxious purchase Czech textiles, especially jacquar-broadcloth, hat velours, etc. Loss of US market for Czech linen goods would be particularly serious.
- (2)
- Centrotex concerned lest inability Emb certify invoices promptly might prevent Czech textiles from reaching US in time for fall trade. In this connection he referred to “inconvenience” to US importers.
Briggs