611.3231/422: Telegram

The Ambassador in Brazil ( Morgan ) to the Secretary of State

136. Department’s telegram 172, December 16, 6 p.m. The Federal budget of expenditures for 1923 (orcamento de recceita) article 2, paragraph 8, authorizes the President [to] “adopt differential customs tariff more or less to a maximum of 30 percent for products of foreign origin in conformity with the interests and defense of [Page 454] commerce and national products.” Under this provision the President is able to issue a customary decree granting American tariff preferentials for 1923. Would it not be expedient to request that a decree be issued covering our usual list and thus secure advantages of preferential treatment for listed articles until such time as the American and Brazilian Governments have concluded new commercial arrangements regarding which this office is awaiting further instructions? Application should be made this week in order that decree may be issued early January.

Morgan