Evening star., 1927-11-27
FRANCO.AMERICAN TARIFF
ROW EMBARRASSING TO U. S.
Concessions Pave Way for Better Feeling
in Controversy-Agents Abroad
Target of Attacks.

ury, under regulations prescribed Dy
him, shall prohibit the importation
into the United States of merchandise
manufactured, produced. sold, shipped
or consigned by such person. Ii sich
failure continues for a period OF one
year from the date of such instruc-
tions. the collector shall cause the
merchandise, unless previously eX-
ported, to be sold at public auction as
in the case of forfeited merchandise
Object of Provision.
The purpose of this provision was
to ascertain the fair market value at
the port of export of all dutlable
merchandise, so that proper adjust
ment of the tariff could be made. The
customs officers were somewhat re-
luctant to take the appraisal or the
foreign manufacturers themselves.
The manufacturers considered this as
bordering on impugning OF their In
.egrity, so ospeak, and, anyway. they
didn't think it was very hoSpltable or
the inspectors in digging around III
their private papers.
1t cannot be said that any of the six
or eight customs representatives en-
gagged in this onerouS task in France
received a hearty welcome in any
single instance. In fact, they found
their work quite difficult.
1t was with q view to smoothing
the road a little more that the pro-
posal to elevate them TO the realm OF
diplomatic attaches" was advanced.
1t was felt that foreign manufacture
ers would feel just bit more respect
full to "Mr. Jones, United States Treas
ury attache of the American en-
bassy," than to just MIR. Jones,
American customs officer"
10 Of To
was 50 spontaneous and so general
and so vigorous, however, that the
plan went by the board.
The ill feeling over the activities of
the customs investigators did not di-
minish. 1t grew by leaps and bounds,
and the smoldering fires broke forth
into flame during the recent tariff con-
troversy.
During these negotiations the
French Government not only called
attention to the objections made i'll
France to the examination of private
books and records of business inter-
ests by the American Government,
but joined with the exporters in
firm request that such Investigations
be stopped.
TO this request the State Depart.
ment, it is understood, has replied
that if France objects the investiga-
tions cannot be conducted.
The French Government also in
quired whether the United States
Tariff Commission, in accordance with
the procedure prescribed I'm section
315 of the 1922 tariff law, will be pre-
pared to consider requests submitted
on behalf of French manufacturers
and producers who are desirous of
learning American production costs.
Turn about is fair play" the French
argued.
Concessions Are Made.
To this the American Government
has replied that "such a procedure
could be effected in accordance with
the law"
In the course of the tariff discus
siOns each government referred to GER
tain sanitary regulations and condi-
tions of treaty enforced by the other
with respect to which complaints had
been received. AS q result of the cor
respondence between the State Depart
ment and the French government,
America and France now will under
take to examine, lin a most friendly
spirit" complaints which the other
may forward in relation to these
matters.
These concessions by the American
GOFernI1enL nave Deen received WIFI
elation in France, it is said. and they
have served to clear the way for broad
treaty negotiations designed to effect
a permanent tariff peace between the
two nations.
AS a further result of the discus
sions, the French government a week
ago issued decree, effective last Mon.
day. whereby the determinations OBJ.
jected to by the United States were
removed. in so far as they affect
American commerce.
With all of the sundry little tariff
differences temporarily Strengthened
out. officials of both governments are
breathing easier as they go about the
work of negotiating a treaty for fu-
ture guidance.
AS for the tariff and customs inspec-
tors involved in the dispute, the Treas
ury Department indicates that while
they have not been recalled, their op-
erations have been circumscribed pend.
ing the negotiations.