Office of the Historian

455.006/9–451: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Belgium

confidential
Washington, September 8, 1951—1 p. m.

315. Re Embtel 301, para A–2, if QRs on US goods contemplated, Emb shld remind Belgians their GATT obligations. QRs must conform requirements GATT Arts XII–2(a) and XIV–1(b). Also Art XII–4(a) requires that prior to (or, if impracticable, immediately after) imposition new restrictions CP’s must be consulted re balance payments difficulties, alternative measures, possible effect such measures on other CP’s. We think Belg wld be well advised initiate consultations if QRs contemplated since if they do not others may at Sixth Session.1

Webb
  1. For documentation regarding the problem of quantitative restrictions within the framework of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the United States position relating thereto, see Foreign Relations, 1950, vol. i, pp. 692 ff.↩