611.62 m 31/23: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Kellogg)
89. Department’s telegram 1155, November 17, 1920.63 Despite repeated requests which Department has made to British Government through Embassy for an indication of the attitude of the British Government with respect to the preferential tariff now in force in Samoa, in contravention of the Tripartite Convention between Great Britain, Germany and the United States, of 1899,64 nothing has been received except statement that the matter was under consideration and that it would be dealt with as quickly as possible. The last word from the British Government was contained in Ambassador Harvey’s telegram No. 236 of June 2, 1 p.m. 192263 to the effect that the Colonial Office would be pressed for an early decision.
The Department learns that the New Zealand Order in Council of September 3, 1923 which modified customs regulations in Samoa reiterates the position of the New Zealand Government with respect to American goods which by the above mentioned Order are subjected to the same duties as all goods of origin other than British. Furthermore, an Order in Council of September 25, 1923 admits the entry free of duty of German Austrian products. This Government has consistently objected to this discrimination against United States products. At present, articles of British origin enjoy 7½% preference in tariff over American goods.
It is obviously desirable that this matter be adjusted at the earliest possible moment in view of the severe losses resulting to American firms having business with Samoa. Department is informed that one large American firm in Samoa has retired from business, the owner attributing his action to the preferential duties established by New Zealand in Western Samoa. It is assumed that you have all the pertinent facts relating to the case at your disposal and that you are thoroughly familiar with this Government’s attitude. If not, the [Page 242] Department will be glad to cable a summary of its position in the matter.
You will please avail yourself of the first appropriate opportunity to take this matter up personally with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs pointing out that the action of the New Zealand Government is clearly in violation of Article III of the Convention of 1899, and that the government’s action has resulted in serious loss to American commercial interests. You will also point out the very considerable period of time which has elapsed since this Government first instituted representations, and you will earnestly request that some arrangement may be promptly arrived at which will provide for United States goods being granted complete equality of treatment with British products as provided for in the Tripartite Convention.
- Not printed.↩
- Foreign Relations, 1899, p. 667.↩
- Not printed.↩