863.51 Relief Credits/235
The Austrian Minister (Prochnik) to the Secretary of State
Excellency: The London Relief-Agreement of June 15th, 1928, provides that Austria must obtain the consent of the Governments of the Relief-Creditor-Nations prior to settling certain indebtedness incurred by it through the so-called Forfait-agreement entered upon for the execution of Art. 184 of the Treaty of St. Germain. These obligations which were not affected by the Hague-Convention of January 20, 1930 (Art. IV), are as follows:
| to Rumania | 362.700 | gold-kronen | |
| to Poland | 54.812 | “ | “ |
| to Yugoslavia | 346.280 | “ | “ |
| to France | 16.237 | “ | “ |
| total | 780.029 | “ | “ |
Of these the debt to France amounting to 16.237 gold kronen is secured by a Treasury note, originally due on July 1st 1929 but subsequently deferred to July 1st 1930. As this amount may in the course of pending negotiations be subjected to some minor alteration, the Federal Government of Austria, wishing to provide for a safe margin, places the total amount of the Forfait-indebtedness at 850.000 gold kronen, for the payment of which amount it asks the consent of the Governments of the Relief-Creditor-Nations.
A major portion of this indebtedness will not be settled in cash but credited in way of compensation against certain claims which Austria is holding against the aforementioned countries.
At the instance of my Government I have the honor to ask Your [Page 402] Excellency’s kind intermediary with a view of obtaining the consent of the Government of the United States to the settlement by Austria of the so-called Forfait-debts not exceeding the total amount of 850.000 gold kronen.
To avoid delays in pending negotiations and in view of the fact that the above referred to Treasury Note to France falls due on July 1st, an early action on this request will be highly appreciated.
An identical request was submitted to the Relief Committee by our Minister in London.
Accept [etc.]