611.8331/32: Telegram

The Minister in Egypt ( Gunther ) to the Secretary of State

36. Your 15, February 15, 4 p.m. I am in receipt of a report [reply?] in which the Minister for Foreign Affairs, after expressing his pleasure that the American Government is disposed to conclude a modus vivendi carrying reciprocal most-favored-nation treatment, states that, under the terms of law number two, 193010 which authorize the application of the new Egyptian customs tariff, his Government is authorized to conclude such an accord for a period of time which would not extend beyond February 16, 1931. He encloses drafts of an exchange of notes which he proposes shall be signed to [Page 745] this end. Copies and translations of note and annexed drafts will go forward by next pouch.11 Upon their receipt you will probably wish to instruct me by telegraph.

A ministerial order was published yesterday suspending for 2 further months the collection of the surtax prescribed in Article 2 of the Customs law.12 I gather that this method of prorogation will be followed from time to time as required.

The Egyptian Government is still disposed to consider the various suggestions on the subject of the new tariff submitted to it by foreign and local commercial interests but the Minister adds significantly that he will not be in a position to negotiate a commercial convention until the final tariff has been definitely set up by law approved by Parliament. It may be that the observation was made because of our Senate’s recent action aimed at imports of long staple cotton into the United States and having in view as well any developments affecting Egyptian onion trade.

Gunther
  1. See Journal Officiel du Gouvernement Egyptien, 57th year, No. 16 (February 15, 1930), p. 1.
  2. Not printed.
  3. A revision of article 3 of the draft law; see footnote 3, p. 740.