690d.003/23: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consul at Beirut ( Knabenshue )

Your telegram of April 9, 5 p.m. concerning increase of customs duties from 11 to 15 per cent. You may inform the French authorities that this Government consents to making effective, with respect to American citizens, the increased customs duties with the reservations that there shall be no discrimination against American citizens or products and that pending ratification of Syrian Mandate Treaty the Consular Court shall have jurisdiction in cases arising under [Page 749] this provision in which American citizens are concerned. This consent shall be as of the date on which it is brought to the attention of the French authorities and on the understanding that other interested powers acquiesce in proposed increase.

Hughes