690d.003/20: Telegram
The Consul at Beirut (Knabenshue) to the Secretary of State
Beirut, March 20,
1924—11 a.m.
[Received 2 p.m.]
[Received 2 p.m.]
Pending conclusion convention between the United States and France in regard to mandate, French High Commission requests consent of the United States to increase customs duty on alcohol to approximately 50 percent in order to protect the local wine industry which is being injured by spurious concoctions fabricated from imported alcohol. In view of the American regulations governing export of alcohol, I recommend Department accord consent requested. Please reply by telegraph.
Knabenshue