791.003/86: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Persia (Philip)
29. Your 28, March 20, noon, and 32, March 27, 1 p.m. For the present you should refrain from presentation of an official aide-mémoire with the 6 points and should hold a further conversation with the Persian Minister of the Court along these lines:
- (1)
- The Department is gratified at Teimourtache’s expression of friendly sentiments and particularly at his acceptance generally of point 2 as set forth in the Department’s 24, March 14, 3 p.m. Obviously, Teimourtache has devoted much thought to the time factor respecting the establishment in Persia of a system of modern civil, commercial, and criminal courts and to the adoption of the codes without which, presumably, the courts could not function. The Department would like to know the conclusions he has reached in this regard. Doubtless he has evolved a plan, until the system of modern courts is functioning in all respects, to avoid confusion and embarrassment to the Persian Government and the risk of international [Page 703] incidents. During this transition period the usefulness of foreign advisers to assist the Persian Government would appear to be clear.
- (2)
- As to point 3 (same telegram 24), it is to be presumed that, since the Persian Government’s intention in these matters is entirely to disinterest itself, it has no interest in the mechanical means used to handle them. It would be a great conveniences owing to the great distance between the United States and Persia, if questions of personal status, etc., could be handled by consular officers of the United States in Persia.
- (3)
- This Government is disposed to continue according, after May 10, 1928, to Persian merchandise imported into the United States unconditional most-favored-nation treatment as to customs duties, but on the necessary condition, of course, that American merchandise imported into Persia be accorded the lowest rates of duty in force when such importation takes place.
If you think wise, you may invite Teimourtache’s attention to section 317, United States Tariff Act of 1922,26 which authorizes the President to specify and declare new and additional duties on imported merchandise from countries which in any way discriminate against the commerce of the United States or, in case of need, to declare a complete embargo against specified merchandise of such countries being imported. In this connection, it may also be noted, in 1926 the total exported by the United States to Persia amounted approximately to $754,000, while the total exported by Persia to the United States amounted nearly to $8,500,000 in the same year.
As to Teimourtache’s reply to point 6 (same telegram 24), you should confidentially discuss it with the leaders of American educational and missionary activities and report their views to the Department.
- 42 Stat. 858, 944.↩