681.003/55
The Ambassador in Spain (Bowers) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 27.]
Sir: With reference to my despatch No. 328 of the 9th instant,6 which touched upon the Spanish desire to increase customs duties in the Spanish Zone of Morocco, I have the honor to report that the Counselor of the Embassy recently took occasion to sound out the Chief of the Commercial Treaty Section of the Ministry of Commerce on this subject. Sr. Fernández Shaw said that the economic interests of both Spain and France really required the raising of duties in Morocco, but that it was realized such action would be hardly in accord with the provisions of the Act of Algeciras. In order to raise the duties, therefore, it would appear to be necessary to call another conference of the signatories of the Act, including, of course the United States and Italy, and although such action might be taken in the future there is no intention of taking it at the present time.
Respectfully yours,
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