811.114 Liquor/762: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Straus) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 30—2 p.m.]
645. For Phillips. Referring to the Embassy’s telegram No. 619, and the Department’s reply 343, August 23 [22], 6 p.m. Embassy would like to use proposed regulations concerning geographic names for champagnes and other sparkling wines, still wines, brandy and “other liqueurs and spirit cordials” in an endeavor to secure removal of [restrictions] as for instance application of 2, 4 and 6 percent import turnover tax. To do so it would be necessary to be assured that Federal Alcohol Control Administration will defer decision if domestic situation permits pending termination Embassy’s conversations on the subject. We might take the stand that while as known [an?] amendment of the regulations is contemplated in such a manner as to give satisfaction to long sought desire of French for protection of geographic names there is considerable opposition to the move and that a quid pro quo in way of turnover tax would assist in overcoming objections.
If the Department approves this effort which was indorsed by Dr. Feis52 prior to his departure I should appreciate being informed telegraphically concerning general outline of regulations as contemplated and whether all of the above described French alcoholic beverages would be affected. For goodness sakes give us opportunity to trade; possibly we can get something.
- Herbert Feis, Economic Adviser, Department of State.↩