318. Memorandum by President Johnson1

MEMORANDUM FOR

  • Secretary of State
  • Secretary of the Treasury
  • Secretary of Commerce

I have approved your proposed presentation to the Canadians regarding possible application of countervailing duties on auto parts and creation of a joint task force for dealing with the problem.2

In view of the difficult economic and political issues involved, I think it essential that we do everything possible to find an agreed solution that does not require countervailing duties. Before final determination of the legal issue on duties, therefore, I would appreciate a report on the status of discussions with Canada and of prospects for a mutually satisfactory alternative solution to this problem.

Lyndon B. Johnson
  1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Canada, Vol. 2. Confidential.
  2. Apparent reference to papers on U.S. tariff reclassification of auto parts and Canadian auto parts export schemes prepared for the 9th meeting of the Joint U.S.-Canadian Committee on Trade and Economic Affairs, held at Ottawa April 29-30. Copies of the papers are in the National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Conference Files: Lot 66 D 110, CF 2390. For a report on this meeting, see Document 319.