Dear Mr. Prime Minister: As you know, action has just been taken by this Government limiting the importation of rye into the United States. Since this measure so largely concerns your country, I want you to know that under existing law there was no alternative for me but to approve the unanimous findings and recommendations of the United States Tariff Commission in this matter.1
I approved this course of action reluctantly, not only because of my own determination to work for freer rather than more restricted trade, but more especially because the action affects Canada, our staunch friend and valued customer. In order to minimize the need in the future for this type of measure, I am seeking from the Congress authority to remove some of the rigidities from our agricultural program and to advance further the cause of liberal commercial policy.2
I was glad, however, to adopt the suggestion put forth informally by your Minister of Trade and Commerce and Defense Production at the recent economic and trade talks in Washington that if any quota action on rye were taken, it be limited in time.3 The action just taken is limited to the period ending with the next full marketing year, June 30, 1955.
I was happy to have the opportunity to visit with your Ministers when they were here recently.4 The discussions were highly rewarding from our point of view and I believe the Canadian representative felt likewise. I am certain that visits of that kind between old friends on a continuing basis will reinforce the strong ties that now bind us together. It is in that spirit that I am dispatching these personal lines to you.5 Sincerely
