Memorandum for the Secretary of State: I have before me the findings and recommendations of the United States Tariff Commission with respect to the imports of oats.1
As you know, a majority of the Commission found that under Section 22 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act, the level of imports is materially interfering with and rendering ineffective the price support program for oats undertaken by the Department of Agriculture pursuant to the Agricultural Act of 1949.2 It proposes a quota on the imports of oats of 23 million bushels during the period October 1, 1953 to October 1, 1954. On the basis of careful examination of the Commission's report, I have come to the conclusion that some steps must be taken as prescribed by law to protect our domestic program on oats against imports. It is our duty to carry out faithfully the laws enacted by the Congress.
I am, as you know, reluctant to impose restrictive measures on the trade of any friendly nation, and especially our neighbor Canada, which would be most affected in this case.
In order to explore every possible course of action, I request that you lay this matter before our Canadian friends to see whether they can limit their exports of oats to the United States to 23 million bushels from some current date, such as December 10, 1953 to October 1, 1954. In my opinion, this would be a far better way of achieving the necessary objective than by our resorting to the application of the quota.
I want to reach a decision in this case after full consultation with our Canadian friends in a way which squares with our responsibilities under our own law and with our responsibility toward a valued and respected neighbor.3
