This Letter was forwarded to All Members of the Association

The appointment of a joint committee by the United States and Canadian Goverments to study border crossing restrictions with a view to making the frontiers more accessible as announced by both Washington and Ottawa officials presents a real opportunity for this Association to make some very constructive suggestions.

In announcing the decision to appoint a commission to simplify border crossing the Government stated that they would be pleased to receive any information that would be helpful in expediting the passage of tourists, goods and materials across the border.

I endeavoured to have our Association represented on the committee without success. The following is a copy of letter received from the Canadian Under Secretary of State for External Affairs which is self-explanatory:

"Ottawa, January 11th, 1946.

Dear Sir:-

The Minister of Labour has brought to the attention of the Prime Minister your suggestion that the United States-Canada Bridge, Tunnel and Ferry Operators Association be represented on the joint committee which the Canadian and the United States Goverments are getting up to study questions of customs procedure.

The committee itself will be a small one consisting of Government officials concerned with this problem in both countries and it is not intended that it should include non-official representatives. The committee will, however, welcome any suggestions which may be put forward regarding the improvement of customs procedure at the border. The recommendations of your Association could best be addressed to the customs authorities of either or both countries depending on their scope and I know that as far as Canada is concerned, the Deputy Minister of National Revenue (Customs and Excise) will be glad to receive your views. All representations received will be carefully considered by the Canadian authorities.

Yours sincerely,
N.A. Robertson
Under Secretary of State
For External Affairs.

C. Ellison Kaumeyer, Esquire
General Manager, Niagara Falls Bridge Commission,
Niagara Falls. Ont.

This is the time to get action. Don't you think we should present a Brief from the Association incorporating all difficulties encountered by ourselves as operators as well as the many problems confronting the general public crossing the border. We can put forward some very constructive suggestions that will tend to eliminate much of the red tape and confusion which exists at present.

Do you propose to tackle the problem as an Association or do yo wish to work individually?

I received a letter from Mr. Moss Dubrule, President of the Prescott and Ogdensburg Ferry Co. Limited, from which I quote:

"It occurs to us that no group in either country as more familiar with the situation than the members of this association which should be able to make suggestions of assistance to the committee."

Yours very truly,
C. Ellison Kaumeyer
Secretary-Treasurer
United States-Canada Bridge, Ferry and Tunnel Operators Association.