640.0031/94: Telegram

The Minister in the Netherlands ( Emmet ) to the Secretary of State

16. Department’s telegram No. 10, March 5, 2 p.m. Quotation in third paragraph of Department’s telegram incomplete and misleading. Add the following after “commercial treaty [treaties]”. “Always however bearing in mind that any rash action must be avoided and that nothing substantial in this respect can be done without full approval of those countries with whom we have treaties based on the existing application of the clause”.

The type of modification Doctor Colijn has in mind is restricted to finding an application which may be helpful against different forms of dumping and protection against imports from countries which have a far lower standard of living than others. Whether it will be possible to arrive at concrete proposals to be submitted to the consideration of other powers is not as yet clear. The point has not even been discussed at this informal meeting of experts. The Secretary may feel assured that nothing will be done unless it will get the approval of other states with whom Oslo States have treaties based on unconditional most-favored-nation clauses.

Doctor Colijn sends his personal regards and [thanks?] the Secretary of State for his message. He wishes the Secretary of State to know that no definite results have been achieved or are expected at this first meeting but that he is favorably impressed with the good will of the experts who will return here probably in April with more definite instructions.

Emmet