651.113/108: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Edge) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 10—9:10 a.m.]
471. Referring further to your 265, July 27, 6 p.m. At my request Reagan, Assistant Commercial Attaché, called last evening upon M. Louyriac of the Ministry of Commerce to discuss the possibility of a reclassification of copper as affected by the Franco-Belgian convention. Care was taken to emphasize that this interview was entirely independent of our protest against the general discriminations brought about by this convention but rather in consideration of the suggestion made to me by M. Durand, Minister of Commerce, (see my telegram 463, August 5, 9 a.m.), to ascertain if an immediate rectification as affecting this particular commodity could not be brought about through classifying copper where it rightfully belongs, i.e., as a raw material and thus escape the turnover tax discrimination. Mr. Reagan advises me that M. Louyriac fully recognized the point made and indicated sympathy for such a reclassification based upon representations already made to the French Government by French copper consuming and producing interests. Because of validating, however, the necessary officials would probably not be able to definitely reach a decision in less than 10 days. If favorable this is what he felt could probably be adjusted by issuing a decree.