851.4061 Motion Pictures/168

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in France (Armour)

No. 1174

Sir: There is enclosed a copy of a letter, dated June 6, 1932, with enclosure thereto,36 from Mr. Will H. Hays, President of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, Incorporated. This [Page 235] letter deals with certain new quota laws which Mr. Hays states are to be put into effect in France on July 1. While there is no ground for complaint against the imposition of a quota which merely limits the quantity of films permitted importation into France, there are certain elements in these alleged regulations which the Department finds objectionable. The granting of import licenses to film producers in France is a disguised way of forcing American interests to subsidize or support those French producing interests. It is felt that any such system as that is highly objectionable and that trade placed upon such a basis would be practically impossible.

The Embassy is requested to take up this matter with the appropriate French authorities and, in case there is likelihood that these regulations will be made effective, endeavor to obtain the fairest possible treatment for American interests.

Very truly yours,

For the Secretary of State:
W. E. Castle, Jr.
  1. Neither printed.