DEPARTMENT OF STATE Memorandum of Conversation
Date: April 12, 1949
Subject: Restrictions on foreign imports of motion pictures
Participants: Former Governor Ellis Arnall of Georgia Mr. James Barnes The Secretary
The former Governor of Georgia, now President of the Society of Independent Motion Picture Producers, called today at his request, following a meeting he had with the President. The President has asked me to see him and hear the story which Governor Arnall wished to put before me. The President had indicated that while it appeared to be a reasonable request which Governor Arnall wished to make, he was not necessarily pushing for any action on it.
Governor Arnall discussed with me the question of foreign restrictions on United States motion pictures. He referred particularly to the restrictions on the import of US films into foreign countries due to exchange restrictions as well as the limitation on films imported as far as playing-time was concerned. He said that he was eager to get the Department's assistance in obtaining removal of these restrictions where possible.
I told him that the Department advocated fair and non-discriminatory opportunities for United States films in foreign countries. Governor Arnall indicated that he was glad to hear our position on this point reaffirmed and asked if he might quote me as to our position on this matter. I indicated that he could quote me in the above sense. I agreed further that the Department would use its good offices to obtain fair and non-discriminatory treatment for US films. When Governor Arnall requested permission to quote me on this statement, I declined on the ground that I had not gone into the matter in sufficient detail to know how far we were able to go on it.
Governor Arnall thanked me for the opportunity to discuss this problem with me and indicated that he was not, in requesting an interview with me, attempting to go over the heads of others in the Department who had worked on this matter.
S:LDBattle:DHM