Zaïmis to Francis, December 10, 1871

Mr. Zaïmis to Mr. Francis.

Mr. Minister: A question of great importance to Greece is the development of the commerce of dried currants.

A part of this product is exported to the United States of America, and for some time past has been an object of commerce quite active between the two countries.

Although limited for the time being, this commerce is susceptible of a much larger development in the future. What appears to hinder this development is the duty on importations with which it is now burdened in the ports of the Union.

The American Government, moved by a sentiment of good feeling toward Greece, reduced this duty in 1870; but this reduction appears to be insufficient to encourage commercial enterprise, and to facilitate the shipments of this product to the United States, in the undoubted interest of both countries.

We know that previous to the imposition of the high duty on importation which took place during the civil war, cargoes of dried currants were shipped directly from Greece to America. These shipments ceased after the vigorous application of the new tariff, and the export of dried currants to the United States was almost annihilated. In fact, we have known cargoes of dried currants to be shipped for England which English enterprise had tried in vain to-introduce into the United States.

But, with the reduction of the duty on importation, direct shipments from Greece were resumed. It follows that to-day the American Treasury derives more profit from the importation of this article than under the former prohibitive tariff, and that a new reduction of the duty will bring about an immediate increase rather than a diminution of the receipts of the custom-house.

Looking at the question from another stand-point, one can easily satisfy himself that a further reduction, while bringing relief to the cultivators of currants, will not fail to promote the interests of industry and commerce in the United States.

Greece, Mr. Minister, being eminently an agricultural country, supplies herself from abroad with most of the manufactured articles necessary for her consumption.

If a new reduction of the duty on dried currants is made, direct shipments from Greece to the United States will be multiplied, and consequently the commercial interests of the two countries will be greatly promoted. The necessary result will be a mutual interchange of products; for Greece will supply herself with a large number of articles which are purchased to-day in the markets of France, England, Germany, and other countries.

It is, therefore, for the advantage of the American Government to take into consideration a proposition that promises to satisfy the needs of commerce and give more freedom to its enterprises. It is therefore with confidence, Mr. Minister, that I ask you to intercede with your Government that it may be pleased to propose to Congress, and, if possible during the present session, a new reduction of the duty in question that shall be more equitable, and more in keeping with the needs of commerce. The hearty friendship for Greece, of which the United States has given unequivocal proofs, encourages me to hope that the wishes now expressed will be favorably received. Be pleased to accept, Mr. Minister, the assurances of my high consideration.