640.0031/113
The Minister in the Netherlands (Emmet) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 27.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that the Conference of the “Oslo” states which has been taking place in Brussels concluded on Saturday with an agreement on the part of the delegates to make various concessions in the matter of quotas and licenses, as well as tariff reductions, with a view to the elimination of various existing trade barriers. Although the results have not been published and are kept secret, I am reliably informed that certain real concessions were made. The results of the Conference, however, were hardly more than recommendations in that they must be referred to the various nations involved for approval and it was agreed that a further Conference would be held in The Hague at the end of May for the purpose of ratifying the proposals and recommendations of the Brussels Conference after the same have been considered by the respective Governments.
I gather from what I have heard that the spirit shown, was all in the direction of economic progress along the lines laid down by Secretary Hull. Although the results are probably not of great magnitude, nevertheless I am informed that the framework has been laid for further Conferences and that it is hoped that the results will be enlarged and developed as time goes on.
Respectfully yours,