Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 61 Part 3.djvu/165

 61 STAT.] TRADE, PHILIPPINES May 4, 18, June 10, July 4, 8, 11 , 1946 STAT.] ADAug. 15, 26, Sept. 10, Oct. 3, 7, 1946 The Acting Secretary of State to the Egyptian Minister DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON May 4 1946 SIR: With reference to the forthcoming independence of the Philippines on July 4, 1946, my Government considers that provision for a transi- tional period for dealing with the special tariff position which Philippine products have occupied for many years in the United States is an essential accompaniment to Philippine independence. Accord- ingly, under the Philippine Trade Act approved April 30, 1946, goods the growth, produce or manufacture of the Philippines will enter the United States free of duty until 1954, after which they will be subject to gradually and regularly increasing rates of duty or de- creasing duty-free quotas until 1974 when general rates will become applicable and all preferences will be completely eliminated. Since the enactment of the Philippine Independence Act approved March 24, 1934, my Government has foreseen the probable necessity of providing for such a transitional period and has since then con- sistently excepted from most-favored-nation obligations which it has undertaken toward foreign governments advantages which it might continue to accord to Philippine products after the proclamation of Philippine independence. Some thirty instruments in force with other governments, for example, permit the continuation of the ex- ceptional tariff treatment now accorded by my Government to Philip- pine products, irrespective of the forthcoming change in the Com- monwealth's political status. With a view, therefore, to placing the relations between the United States and Egypt upon the same basis, with respect to the matters involved, as the relations existing under the treaties and agreements referred to in the preceding paragraph, I have the honor to prolose that the provisions of the Provisional Commercial Agreement between the United States of America and Egypt effected by an exchange of notes signed May 24, 1930, shall not be understood to require the extension to Egypt of advantages accorded by the United States to the Philippines. In view of the imminence of the inauguration of an independent Philippine Government, I should be glad to have the reply of your Government to this proposal at an early date. Accept, Sir, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration. DEAN ACHESON Acting Secretary of State The Honorable MAHsMOUD HASSAN, Minister of Egypt. 2443 Entry of Philippine goods under Philip- pine Trade Act of 1946. 60 Stat. 141. 22U.S.C.§1251et seq. 48 Stat. 456. 48U.S. C. 1232 et seq. Nonextension to CEgypt of advanltages accorded by U. S. to 4Shilittin.es. 47 Stat. 2582.

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