711.562/14
The Acting Secretary of Agriculture (Gore) to the Secretary of State
Dear Mr. Secretary: Acting Secretary Joseph C. Grew’s letter of October 24, 1924 (So 711.562/13),13 addressed to the late Secretary of Agriculture, regarding the relation of plant quarantine regulations to treaties of amity, commerce, and Consular rights, has been received.
The change suggested by the Minister of the Netherlands appears to be unnecessary, and in its present wording, is entirely unsatisfactory to this Department. The promulgation of quarantines by this Department, as they apply to plants and plant products, is for the sole purpose of protecting this country from the entry and establishment of injurious insects and plant diseases. The dangers attending shipments of plants and plant products into the United States from the Netherlands have been repeatedly brought to the attention of inspection officials of that country, both directly and through your Department. Information on this subject will be found in the late Secretary Wallace’s communications to you of April 8 and July 21, 1922.13 Accompanying the latter communication was a copy of a memorandum prepared by Dr. C. L. Marlatt, Chairman of the Federal Horticultural Board, which included a brief list of “European Bulb Pests which May Become General Crop Enemies”.13
The paragraph which you transmitted to the Minister of the Netherlands on January 9, 1924 appears to cover the subject fully, and is satisfactory to this Department. It is understood that the “prohibitions or restrictions of a sanitary character” are for the purpose of excluding insects and plant diseases, the entry and establishment of which would represent a menace to the country concerned.
Sincerely yours,