Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XXXI, Foreign Economic Policy, 1973–1976

184. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)¹

Washington, September 6, 1973.

Henry:

Flanigan says that Ullman (who is managing the trade bill in Mills’ absence) is disposed to drop MFN from the bill. Flanigan says there appear to be three options:

(1) Propose to Ullman the compromise wording which Mills had considered introducing—to the effect that the President would be required to withdraw MFN if the Soviet Union reimposed an education or other tax.

(2) Endorse and support a proposal that the Foreign Affairs Committee be asked to submit its views on MFN.

(3) Drop MFN from the bill.

Option (1) appears the preferred course of action. While I doubt that Option (2) would change many votes, it could really be tried regardless of the outcomes on Option (1).

Unless you indicate otherwise, Flanigan will support Option (1).

Brent Scowcroft

²

Okay³

No, support Option ______

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 317, Subject Files, Congressional, Vol #9, June–September 1973. Confidential.
2. Scowcroft initialed “BS” above his typed signature.
3. Kissinger approved this option.