Tariff Law. A staggering shock jarred the nerves of U. S. businessmen in Paris: the French government published the full text of its new general tariff law, wherein it was found that $80,000,000 worth of goods sold by the U. S. in France was subject to a maximum duty ranging from 100% to 13% higher than formerly.
Protest. At once there was a mighty shout and a stampede for the U. S. Embassy. Some businessmen laid the French action to a desire to secure the upper hand at the negotiations for a treaty of commerce and amity with the U. S., due to take place in Paris on or about Oct. 15.— Others saw in it a move to force the hand of the U. S. in regard to paring down the French debt. An official protest was lodged by the U. S. through the Paris Embassy. The French promised to consider the matter. Busy businessmen doubted that anything would be done; that France would ever give up such a good advantage in the prospective commercial parley.
France-German Treaty. The commercial accord signed recently with Germany (TIME, Aug. 29) was an- other fly in U. S. Parisians' ointment. In it Germany was accorded most-favored national treatment in regard to all but specified products, which means that she enjoys the minimum tariff rates accorded to countries having this class of treaty. All countries outside this category must pay duty in conformity with the new law. U. S. businessmen, petulant, were in-clined to see deliberate discrimination in the new tariff against them in favor of the Reich.
The New Duties. Typical of the increases are the following: magnetos, which paid seven francs a kilogram, are now assessed 80 francs a kilogram — increase 1,100%; fountain pens, admitted on a tariff of five francs a pen, must pay 80% on their value; electrical equipment for automobiles must meet a levy increased by 800%; magneto breaker points and distributors, 1,300% increase; spark plugs, 800% increase. It is to be noted that all these articles are manufactured by Germany.
Fordney-McCumber Tariff. Typical of U. S. tariff rates on French exports are works of art (under 100 years old), 20% ad valorem (that is, upon the U. S. valuation), silk wearing apparel, average of 60%; walnuts (France exported $4,861,000 worth to the U. S. last year) 4¢ per pound unshelled, 12¢ shelled; precious and semiprecious stones (not including pearls), 10% ad valerem on uncut stones; perfumes containing alcohol 75% ad valorem plus 40¢ a pound; perfumes not containing alcohol 75% ad valorem; soaps and soap preparations from 15% to 30% ad valorem. These are the chief French exports to the U. S.
Trade. Trade between the two countries last year:
U. S. to France $276,274,108
France to U. S $152,056,964
Balance in favor of U. S $124,217,204