857H.01/95

The French Ambassador (Claudel) to the Secretary of State

[Translation]

Mr. Secretary of State: In a note dated February 2, 1926,2 the Honorable Frank B. Kellogg, then Secretary of State, made known to my predecessor Mr. Henry Bérenger that the Federal Government did not see the necessity of modifying the Spitzbergen Treaty, signed at Paris February 9, 1920,3 in a manner permitting the Russian Government to adhere thereto.

Since that time the international situation has undergone important changes: The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics has been permitted to adhere to the Pact of Paris,4 to which the United States is a signatory, together with several other countries which have not recognized the Government of the Soviets.

Under these circumstances, my Government wonders whether the Federal Government still adheres to its former views concerning the possible adherence of the U.S.S.R. to the Spitzbergen Treaty. I would be grateful if Your Excellency would be good enough to make known to me your sentiment on this subject.

Please accept [etc.]

Claudel