611.3531/1317: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Armour) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:17 a.m.]
238. Argentine counter-proposals on Schedule II indicate acceptance of offers on the following items: 42; 232 (a); 409; 701; oleo oil and stearin; 705; 712; dead birds not specially provided for; 763; 764; 774, asparagus; 1101 a, wools under bond; and all free list items contained in definitive proposals. Rate on 712, turkeys, is accepted but removal of quota limitation is requested.
Further concessions embodying a full 50% reduction in duty are requested on the following items: 19; 38; 701, tallow 706, both classes, with the removal of the minimum ad valorem provisions; 710 to include romano or pecorino, reggianito or parmesano, reggianito, provolone and provoletto, sbrinz, cheddar and goya, with a minimum ad valorem of 20%; 742, grapes, with effective period beginning February 15; 762 with no quota limitation; 1101, wools not under bond, the full reduction on each of the four types; 1530 and 1558.
In addition, the counter-proposals contain requests for the maximum reduction in duty on the following items not included in definitive proposals but which appeared in the published list of August 23; 713; 724, with a customs quota of 250,000 tons annually and binding of the present rate on all imports over that amount; 730; 749; 779; 1102a; 1681, fox and lambskin furs.
Several items which were not on the published list were also included in the counter-proposals as well as requests for inclusion of notes on matters probably not falling within the province of trade agreement negotiations, including a request for a definition of cured meat which would include meats heated to 147 degrees for 10 minutes which were [Page 272] entered for use at the New York Fair, specifications for dog food which would be permitted to enter under paragraph 730, liberalization of staining regulations of alfalfa seed, the opening of specified ports to the admission of fresh fruits and provisions for a 25% tolerance on wool.
The utmost importance is apparently attached to a satisfactory concession on linseed. Copies of the Argentine counter-proposal are going forward by air mail today.