240. Editorial Note
In his July 29, 1970, Evening Report to the President, Secretary of State Rogers reported that Carl Gilbert and Nathaniel Samuels would lead a small delegation to “confidential” quadripartite trade talks in Geneva July 31-August 1. Rogers noted that the meeting would not be a negotiation but a “frank exploration of a wide range of troublesome trade issues.” He also reported that Congressman Mills was fully informed and had no objection. (National Archives, RG 59, S/S Files: Lot 74 D 64, Box 410, July 29, 1970) See also Document 235.
In his August 4 Evening Report, Rogers reported that Gilbert, Samuels, and Trezise “had unusually frank discussions with representatives of the EC, UK and Japan on a broad range of trade problems… . all the major issues were raised: U.S. legislation, European agricultural policies, Japanese trade and investment restrictions, and the spread of European Community preferential trading agreements… . Plenary discussion of the textile issue was limited, but GATT Director General Long did suggest, with broad support, establishment of a GATT working party to explore possibilities for a multilateral approach to cover all fibers after 1973.” Rogers believed the talks were probably the first in a continuing series of high-level, informal discussions. (National Archives, RG 59, S/S Files: Lot 74 D 64, Box 410, August 4, 1970)