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APPENDIX B LETTER FROM U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE, 1979 THE
SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR July 19, 1979 Mr.
J. Luis Rodriquez Dear Mr. Rodriquez: I deeply appreciate your decision to withdraw the antidumping petition on winter vegetable imports from Mexico. It demonstrates sensitivity and sense both of which are in short supply. Stephen Lande and Jim Starky of my staff will soon join officials of the Government of Mexico in serious negotiation to research a bilateral arrangement aimed at providing greater stability in the trade of winter vegetables. We will make every effort to include in such an arrangement, all five winter vegetable that were contained in the petition. The intention is to begin negotiation August 13, with a view towards completion no later than the week of September 17. I know that your was a difficult one to make, but I believe that it provides a unique opportunity to attain a meaningful long term solution in the best interests of all concerned. Although you will not be bound to acept the negotiated arrangement. Let me assure you that this office will maintain contact with you throughout the negotiating process so as to gain your advice and counsel We can also offer no assurance of success, but is is my sincere belief that we can reach an acceptable solution through this process.
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for Legislative
Action, Inc.
Mr.
J. Luis Rodriquez Dear Mr. Rodriquez: With respect to the withdrawal of the petition filed in the antidumping case against winter vegetables from Mexico, I want to confirm the statements I made during our meeting on July 17: -- The Mexican Government at the Ministerial level has assured the United States Government of its good-faith intention to negotiate an intergovernmental arrangement regarding trade in winter vegetables. These negotiations are to begin the week of August 13 and conclude the week of September 17. -- The U.S. and Mexican sides have agreed that these negotiations would cover all five crops included in the antidumping case. The U.S. side has proposed and will aim at the establishment of a reference price, related to Mexican costs of production, and backed up by a quantitative mechanism. I understand that you have been assured by the Treasury Department that withdrawal of the antidumping petition would not prejudice your rights under the Antidumping Act, or other provisions of U.S trade law. During these negotiations the U.S. Government officials involved in the negotiations will work closely with you, and will seek your advice and counsel as the negotiations progress. I want to make clear there can be no absolute assurance that the negotiations will reach a satisfactory conclusion. I am convinced, however, that there will be a serious effort by the officials of both governments to negotiate an arrangement satisfactory to both sides. I realize the dilemma you faced in considering whether to accept the request for withdrawal of the antidumping petition. I have been impressed by the statesmanship, which you and your fellow farmers have shown, and your understanding of the sensitiveness of this issue. Your reasonableness in the face of a tight time period has been commendable. By your willingness to withdraw your petition you do have the prospect of an arrangement between the two governments which will assure greater stability in the trade in these commodities over the next several years. This outcome would in my view better serve your interests, as well as the broader interests of this country in its relations with Mexico, than pursuit of the dumping case to its ultimate conclusion. Your cooperation in advancing these negotiations will be sincerely and deeply appreciated. Sincerely, cc: J. Campbell J. Goodnight |
