237. Memorandum From the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations
(Dent) to the
President’s Assistant for Economic Affairs (Seidman)1
Washington, November 26, 1975.
SUBJECT
- Memorandum for President Ford
On October 17th I reached an agreement with Sir
Christopher Soames, Vice President of the EC, regarding the impasse which the agricultural
negotiations in Geneva had reached.2 On October 20th,
implementation of this agreement was held up by the French and the impasse
has continued from that time on. Currently, all other members of the EC are willing to proceed but the French
adamantly resist. I anticipated the results of the Rambouillet
conference3 might change the
attitude, but apparently the message of Rambouillet has not been carried
from the President to the appropriate French Ministers.
To resolve this matter, I am forwarding herewith a suggestion for the
President’s consideration.
Enclosure
Washington, November 26, 1975.
Memorandum From the Special Representative for Trade
Negotiations (Dent) to
President Ford
SUBJECT
- Suggested Letter to President d’Estaing of France
I was very gratified with reports of your leadership at the Rambouillet
Summit in the field of international trade. The comments made on this
subject in the statement issued at the conclusion of the conference also
gave much hope to those interested in resisting protectionism at the
present and improving the world trading system for the longer term.
[Page 826]
As you know, the French negotiators have been particularly resistant to
progress in the Geneva negotiations and have undercut two agreements
which we reached with the EC negotiators
for moving the agricultural negotiations forward. We had anticipated a
change in their attitude following the Rambouillet meeting, but
unfortunately this has not yet materialized. I believe that this lack of
progress could be due to the fact that President d’Estaing has not taken the initiative
in communicating his international trade views to the appropriate
Minister for subsequent communication and execution by his
department.
I therefore recommend you consider sending the enclosed letter to
President d’Estaing which is
designed to carry the consensus reached at Rambouillet into the
implementation stage.
Enclosure
Draft Letter From President Ford to French President Giscard
Dear Mr. President:
Our discussions at Rambouillet were not only enjoyable but I believe hold
the promise of improving economic conditions both within our own
countries and the rest of the world as we carry forward into execution
some of the ideas which we developed during these discussions. Upon my
return to Washington, I had my appropriate Cabinet Members briefed on
the results of the talks within their particular area of responsibility
and urged them to see that the substance and spirit of our talks were
carried into execution in the days ahead.
I have been particularly disappointed to note that there have been
continuing reports of possible protectionist attitudes, and want to
assure you that in the international trade field in particular, I have
urged my Cabinet Members to place new emphasis on the success of the
Geneva talks to provide leadership at the forthcoming Trade Negotiations
Committee meeting4
and to cooperate with our trading partners in furthering the improvement
and expansion of the international trading system. A spirit of
compromise is essential to assure avoidance of protectionism and future
progress.
Your interest in providing leadership for discussions such as those at
Rambouillet is clear evidence of your interest and concern in these
matters. Any additional suggestions which you would care to pass on [Page 827] as a result of your own
efforts to achieve implementation of our discussion would be most
welcome.
Sincerely yours,
