651.116 Nitrate/80: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Straus) to the Secretary of State

144. Reference Department’s telegram No. 60, February 18, 6 p.m. It is true that Chile and Norway have been accorded entire nitrate quota and that United States has been this morning refused participation. Embassy and Commercial Attaché in particular have, however, been in almost daily communication with authorities urging maintenance of our position under quota agreement of 1932.41 Inter-ministerial meeting to decide question is scheduled for tomorrow. Although we are unofficially informed that Foreign Office is doing its best to support our views and nitrate buying organization is favorably inclined towards purchasing small tonnage, Agriculture appears in-alterably opposed.

Straus
  1. For the quota agreement of May 31, 1932, see telegram No. 342, May 31, 1932, from the Ambassador in France, ibid., 1932, vol. ii, p. 232.