560.AL/8–3047: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva (Troutman) to the Secretary of State
top secret
Geneva, August 30,
1947—1 p.m.
934. For Lovett from Wilcox. Have indications (urtel 1122, August 29)1 Commonwealth countries working on requests we presented to each of them re all preferences. Unlikely receive answer from UK before September 5. Therefore expect counter proposal rather than rejection. If reply still unsatisfactory Clayton and Douglas believe we should talk with Cripps again presumably week of September 8. Suggest discussion proposal re section nine await outcome.
Sent Dept; repeated Paris for Clayton 92; London for Ambassador 95. [Wilcox.]
Troutman
- Telegram 1122, not printed, described the Department’s thinking that an exchange of notes might be prepared to permit a relaxation of section 9 of the financial agreement; this would not, however, be discussed with the British until either a preference agreement had been reached or Clayton advised that such a move would have no adverse effect at Geneva. (560.AL/8–2947) Section 9 prohibited discriminatory import arrangements; for text, see 60 Stat. (pt. 2) 1843 and 1844.↩