711.9112A/13: Telegram
The Chargé in Persia (Treat) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12:50 p.m.]
90. The Foreign Minister recently brought up question of the treaties of arbitration and conciliation, and although he was reminded that the negotiations were being conducted at Washington he has now sent the Legal Adviser of the Persian Foreign Office with request that following explanations be communicated to Department:
1. For reasons of political nature, which take into particular consideration situation of Persia with regard to British as well as to Russian relations, and also in interest of uniformity, the Persian Government prefers a general clause in a treaty of friendship to separate treaty of arbitration. Persian Government suggests as basis for clause of that sort, to be developed when the negotiations for definitive treaties shall have been inaugurated, a formula similar to that which is now under discussion with Germany. This formula provides for the arbitration of differences arising from interpretation or application of existing or future treaties; the designation of one arbitrator by each Government, a third to be appointed by common accord, or, failing that, by the President of the Permanent Court of the Hague.
Copy of this Perso-German draft clause is being sent Department. Persian Government is not averse to a wording which would leave tacitly understood that disputes of a political nature may also be susceptible to arbitration, but at present time is not disposed to accept any specific treaty undertaking of that character.
2. Also for political reasons, the Persian Government prefers to hold over question of a conciliation treaty to a future date; for [Page 749] example, until it has concluded and put into effect definitive treaties with Great Britain.
The following is situation with regard to negotiations in progress between Persia and other governments for the conclusion of definitive treaties:
- (1)
- Treaties with Germany are on point of being signed.
- (2)
- I am informed by British Minister that he expects to initiate conversations shortly, and has let it be understood that he has draft proposals to present.
- (3)
- French Minister has had preliminary conversations with Foreign Minister. I understand negotiations will soon be started on basis of drafts furnished by both the French and Persian Governments.
- (4)
- Italian Minister has not yet received drafts but has been instructed to begin pourparlers.
- (5)
- Belgian Government is examining results of negotiations which were begun some months ago, and is awaiting conclusion of Perso-German treaties.
- (6)
- Our delay in starting negotiations has not worked any harm as yet, I think, but I believe that some gesture should be made in near future.70
- Further negotiations did not result in the signing of an arbitration or conciliation treaty.↩