43. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Germany0
3343. Please deliver following message from President to Chancellor:
“Dear Mr. Chancellor:
Ambassador Dowling and Under Secretary Ball have reported to me fully on their recent discussions with you.1 I am gratified with the measure of understanding that has been reached in these conversations and pleased that the Secretary of State will have the chance to have further discussions with you and your Ministers in the near future.2
Meanwhile I want to tell you of my particular concern over the poultry import regulations which the Federal Republic of Germany and the other countries of the European Economic Community have indicated they may place in effect on July 1. I appreciate your assurance to Secretary Ball that you will look into this matter.
These regulations, particularly those relating to gate prices and equalization fees, will affect drastically the trade in poultry products between the Federal Republic of Germany and the United States. Since poultry is produced in every part of the United States any substantial reduction in our export market will affect adversely domestic production and prices and the contemplated measures will have a severe effect on this segment of our economy. Poultry producers regard the proposed regulations as unfair and inconsistent with efforts to liberalize trade under the principles of the GATT. This feeling could, in turn, be an important adverse factor in the consideration of the Trade Bill now before Congress and injure our common attempts to build lasting trade partnerships with the members of the Common Market.
Within the past few days Senator Fulbright, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has addressed the Senate in criticism of the proposals. The governors or their representatives of 11 states personally called upon me to point out the harmful effect of increased duties. [Page 105] If the competitive position of poultry products is undermined through the establishment of new and increased import restrictions, it would be more difficult to maintain support for liberalized trade policies for goods coming into the United States.
I recognize that this problem is not an easy one for you but I am asking your help on this problem because I am convinced that it bears directly upon my own ability to mobilize support here for policies which are vital to both sides of the Atlantic and to our common aims for the future of the Atlantic Community.
I hope you will consider favorably taking such action as may be necessary to prevent the unilateral application of increased duties upon our poultry products and that the determination of trade policy with respect to these products will be deferred until we can enter into appropriate negotiations following the enactment of the pending Trade Bill.
I know that you share our desire to strengthen our economic relationships and am confident that I can count on your understanding cooperation.
Sincerely, John F. Kennedy”
White House desires text this message not become public. Signed original follows in pouch.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.62A/6–862. Confidential. Drafted by the White House and cleared with Tyler.↩
- On May 23, during a general European trip, Ball discussed European integration, nuclear questions, and U.S. policy toward China with the Chancellor. At the end of the conversation Ball pointed out U.S. concern over the apparent EEC protectionist agricultural policy especially in relation to U.S. poultry exports. When the impact of this policy on German domestic policy was pointed out, the Chancellor indicated he would look into the matter. (Telegram 2858 from Bonn, May 23; ibid., 110.12–Ball/5–2362)↩
- Rusk was scheduled to visit Europe June 18–28.↩