711.622/21a
The Secretary of State to the German Ambassador (Wiedfeldt)
Excellency: Following conversations recently had with Your Excellency, I have the honor to inform you that this Government is cordially disposed to enter into negotiations with the German Government for the conclusion of a treaty of amity, commerce and consular rights. As appropriate to that end there is submitted to you herewith the draft of a proposed treaty of which the text is self-explanatory.1
You will observe from the preamble that the document embodies a treaty of friendship as well as of commerce and of consular rights. It is designed to promote the friendly intercourse between the peoples of the United States and Germany. Through the text submitted it is sought to lay the foundation for a comprehensive arrangement responsive to the modern and exacting requirements of important maritime states. To that end the several Articles are expressed in terms which definitely and clearly set forth the principles involved. It is sought by this means to avoid as far as possible danger of conflicting interpretations.
You will be interested in noting that Article VII makes full provision for the enjoyment of the most favored nation clause in its unconditional form, as applied to persons, vessels and cargoes, and to articles the growth, produce or manufacture of the Contracting Parties. It will be seen, moreover, that the most favored nation clause is applied to duties on imports and exports and to other charges, restrictions and prohibitions on goods imported and exported. The document in its present form may, of course, be subjected to minor changes by the United States in the course of negotiations.
In transmitting this treaty to Your Excellency, I am glad to confirm the understanding that negotiations are to be had at this capital.
Accept [etc.]
- Enclosure not printed.↩