Diplomatic Notes Seal U.S.-Canada Trade Agreement

PALM SPRINGS —  A controversial treaty intended to eliminate all trade tariffs between the United States and Canada over the next 10 years goes into effect today with the exchange of diplomatic notes implementing the agreement.

President Reagan instructed Secretary of State George P. Shultz on Saturday to dispatch the message putting the treaty into effect, the White House announced here, where Reagan is spending the New Year’s holiday.

Deputy White House press secretary Roman Popadiuk said Reagan spoke by telephone Saturday morning with Prime Minister Brian Mulroney of Canada, telling him, “Together, our governments have set an example for the world on how eliminating trade barriers can benefit all peoples.”

U.S. legislation approving the treaty was signed into law Sept. 28. The final Canadian action needed to implement the treaty was taken Friday by the Canadian Senate.