It would be very useful at present juncture if we could get to know how the people inside the State Dept. feel about decision to repeal External Relations Act, and what action if any they think U.S. Govt. would take under most-favoured-nation clause to claim tariff and citizenship preferences after repeal of Act. Nothing should be said to State Dept. officially on this subject but perhaps McCann or some other member of the staff could find occasion for casual and informal conversation with usual informant and ascertain from him discreetly trend of opinion and discussion in State Dept. on these points. Please telegraph any information obtained.¹