President. this represents another element in my longstanding interest in the promotion of international travel. upon which this matter bears. I have today introduced in the Senate a bill to remove a tariff restriction which U.S. customs officials report to be a source of major annoyance to Americans returning from abroad. It would amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to permit the importation of trademarked articles without the consent of the trademarks owner when the item is for the personal use of the traveler. a gift from a serviceman abroad or is part of the personal effects of a Government employee or immigrant. The long overdue change I am proposing would eliminate a minor provision in the present tariff laws which is a major cause of irritation and embarrassment to American travelers and considerable inconvenience for customs officers. It would remove the existing prohibition against importation of trademarked items without the written permission of the trademarks owner. permitting U.S. tourists to bring home worldfamous brands of perfumes. cameras. watches. and so forth. as long as they are meant for the purchasers own use and their value is charged against the personal exemption allowed.
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immigrant