690d.11241/18

The Chargé in France (Armour) to the Secretary of State

No. 1336

Sir: With reference to the Department’s Instruction No. 484 of February 9, 1931,65 (File No. 690D.11241/15[14]), regarding customs immunities for American educational and philanthropic institutions in Syria and the Lebanon, I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy and translation of a note from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, dated March 10, 1931,65 on this question.

It will be noted from this communication that, on November 4, 1930, the Directorate General of the Customs at Beirut was instructed to grant exemptions from customs duties on imports effected into the Levant States under French mandate by American charitable institutions, without the quota being fixed annually and under the sole reservation of proof of their destination and use. It will also be noted that the sums blocked for several years past in the account of the Consul General of the United States at Beirut, as a guarantee for unpaid duties on goods imported in excess of the quantities fixed by decree 1734 of December 22, 1922, have also been released.

A copy of this despatch is being sent to the Consulate General at Beirut.

Respectfully yours,

Norman Armour
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