651.5531/57
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in France (Armour)
Sir: The Department has received your despatch No. 2705 of June 25, 1932, concerning a Franco-Belgian agreement by which Belgian goods are exempted from the importation tax. In replying to your request for instructions as to the attitude to be taken in this matter you are informed that the Department feels that pending some definite outcome of the present treaty negotiations no action should be taken with regard to this discrimination unless you feel that it would be worthwhile to let the Foreign Office know informally and orally that this matter has not escaped your attention. The draft [Page 238] commercial treaty which has been prepared and will probably be sent to you shortly will take care of this question.
The Department feels that there can be little question that this type of discrimination clearly falls within the meaning of Section 338 of the Tariff Act.
Very truly yours,