560.AL/9–2048: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Thailand
493. Following complete timetable second series GATT negotiations set forth memo approved by Contracting Parties at Geneva, copy being forwarded airmail (urtel 754 Sept 20, 9 a. m.1): (1) circulation by Secretariat GATT not later than Sept 18 list countries participating tariff negotiations opening Geneva April 11, 1949 (including contracting parties and those wishing accede); (2) exchange copies customs tariffs trade statistics participants not later than Sept 25; (3) submission to US Govt not later than Oct 31 by acceding Govts lists products on which they ask US concessions but without indication rate duty asked; (4) submission other participating Govts not later than Nov 30 preliminary lists concessions to be asked of them; (5) submission not later than Jan 15 definitive request lists to participating Govts; (6) exchange definitive offers in response request lists under (5) at opening conference Geneva April 11.
Ref memo emphasizes necessity adhering timetable strictly far as possible but acknowledges certain acceding Govts may be unable [Page 945] reasons beyond control notify decisions re participation by Sept 18. Memo states Govts nevertheless expected take necessary action within very short time after dates prescribed and conform to remainder timetable in order make negotiations practicable.
Submission to US of request lists not later Oct 31 necessary because our requirement public notice and list under TA act. If Siam desires negotiate concessions from US must submit list concessions desired not later Oct 31.
Re your question last sentence, for urinfo acceding Govts must be ready upon request negotiate tariff concessions with any contracting party including US and must be willing undertake exploratory conversations with US determine whether basis such negotiations exists. Shld such conversations indicate no basis for concessions exists negotiations of course unnecessary. See Depeirtel July 8. Cursory check indicates Siam principal supplier teak lumber and zircons.
- Not printed.↩