711.572/29: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Commission to Negotiate Peace
397. For the Secretary of State.
Notice was given Norwegian Government on February 2, 1918,53 and to Sweden on February 4, 1918,54 of denunciation of Treaty of Commerce and Navigation of 1827 with Sweden and Norway. Treaty will therefore expire on February 2, 1919, as to Norway, and on February 4, 1919, as to Sweden. Norway was very anxious we should extend treaty for three months until a new treaty could be negotiated. I told him55 I had no such power. Norwegian Government much disturbed, as they fear situation would be complicated if we had no treaty and urges withdrawal denunciation as to whole treaty, except as to Articles objectionable under provisions of Seamen’s Act, so that remainder of treaty could run on and if we desire we could now give new notice denunciation so treaty could remain in force one year. Norway made similar request shortly after notice denunciation given, and by note of May 31, 1918 to American Minister, at Christiania, Department declined to withdraw notice.56 Treaty with Spain, July 3, 1902, also denounced and Spanish Ambassador requests withdrawal denunciation.57 This will expire shortly, and we will lose in Spain most favored nation treatment. Would like to have your views as to desirability of continuing this treaty with Norway, except Articles 13 and 14, pending negotiations of a new treaty, which for obvious reasons can not be done at this time, and also as to desirability of similar course with respect to Spanish treaty, except as to provisions objectionable under Seamen’s Act. In case of Spanish Treaty it would seem clearly to our interest to have it continued.