660p.116/53: Telegram
The Chargé in Latvia ( Packer ) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 19—10:20 a.m.]
119. Official Gazette 13 December 18th publishes law effective that date passed by Council of Ministers on December 14 providing that [Page 385] only regular merchants holding trade licenses and import licenses will be permitted to represent foreigners in Latvia and that all agency contracts must be approved by Minister of Finance. Graduated tax is imposed upon holders of such licenses in accordance with value of annual imports.
American firms represented here by commission agents may have to make new arrangements.
It is believed that purpose of law is to eliminate certain minorities from import trade and further concentrate economic control in hands of Government.
- Valdibas Vestnesis.↩