711.259/20
The Secretary of State to the Chilean Ambassador ( Dávila )
Excellency: I have the honor to refer to your note of February 17, 1930, and to the acknowledgment of the Acting Secretary of State, dated March 3, 1930,1 concerning the negotiation between the United States and Chile of a convention for the prevention of the smuggling of alcoholic liquors.
I take pleasure in informing you that this Government will be glad to conclude a treaty for the prevention of the smuggling of alcoholic [Page 544] liquors with the Government of Chile similar to the treaties on the subject which it has, during recent years, concluded with other countries. The draft of such a treaty is enclosed for your consideration.2
It will be noted that, in accordance with Article V of the draft treaty, the two Governments reserve the right, three months before the expiration of one year from the date of the exchange of ratifications, to propose modifications in the terms of the treaty.
The policy of the United States with reference to treaties of this nature is at present the subject of careful consideration by several of the Departments of this Government. Some dissatisfaction with the operation of this form of treaty has been expressed. Accordingly, it must be considered as not unlikely that the Government of the United States will take advantage of the foregoing provision of Article V at the appropriate time.
Accept [etc.]