Reading Room Document

Participation of the State Department in Producer-Consumer Fora and Other International Negotiations Aimed at Stabilizing International Commodity Markets

This document discusses the President's authority to participate in international negotiations, specifically in producer-consumer fora and other international negotiations aimed at stabilizing international commodity markets. The conclusion reached is that the President has constitutional authority to participate in such negotiations through the Secretary of State, and the Trade Act of 1974 does not prohibit such participation. The document also presents questions about the legal effect of these agreements under the antitrust laws and whether the Trade Act of 1974 authorizes or permits the President to participate in these negotiations.

October 6, 1978