611.626/293a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Wallace)
1735. For Boyden for Perret. B–178.
Your letter November 25 to Merle-Smith in regard to suggested dye-stuffs agreement.21 Department’s policy has been merely to keep open opportunity to obtain needed German dyes on price equality with Allies. Department cannot go beyond this defensive position unless real necessity appears. Textile industries now practically at standstill and there is no demand for dyestuffs. Conditions may change but textile interests not willing to prophesy future or commit themselves. At this time Department does not favor separate agreement with the Germans. Unless necessary, Department does not desire further commitments on account of uncertainty of future dye situation from economic and legislative point of view and uncertainty of continued representation in Paris on Reparation Commission.
- Not printed.↩