-2- allotted to the United States (this is measured by reference to previous trade). Thus, if we were given an increased opportunity flor lard export, it would merely be restoring a part off the trade opportunities we are entitled to under the treaty. (3) If the German Government finds that by harsh and discriminatory curtailment of shipments of American goods, it can secure as a consequence special concessions in the American market, it is almost certain that existing curtailment will be maintained and possibly extended with the German Government asking for special market opportunities or | special credits. (4) If we deal with the German Government on this basis, it is quite possible that other European countries will feel that Germany has gained an advantage and will seek to impose the same conditions for continuation of American trade. In short, dealing with Germany on this basis might open the way to having much of our trade deliberately shut off and then only having it restored for special and directly compensating |