List of Papers
(Unless otherwise specified, the correspondence is from or to officials in the Department of State.)
EUROPE
AUSTRIA
Political Developments in Austria: Socialist Uprising; Nazi Activities; Murder of Chancellor Dollfuss
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1933 Oct. 28 (60) | From the Minister in Austria (tel.) Departure with First Secretary and Military Attaché for 14-day trip of observation through nine Austrian provincial capitals. |
1 |
| Nov. 8 (62) | From the Minister in Austria (tel.) Summary of observations on tour: Decline of Hitlerism, popularity of Dollfuss, quiescence of military, aroused nationalism, inherent danger in economic situation, and influx of Jews. |
1 |
| Nov. 11 (65) | From the Chargé in Austria (tel.) Ministerial Council decree establishing the death penalty in Austria. |
2 |
| Nov. 14 (67) | From the Minister in Austria (tel.) Interview with German Minister, who said that Nazi secret organizations in Austria may seize control at any time, and that Dollfuss government cannot last more than 6 months. |
3 |
| Nov. 21 | From the Minister in Austria Evidence in Vienna that a Nazi putsch is imminent. Belief that peace of Europe depends on Austria’s independence, and that the latter depends on improvement in economic conditions. |
3 |
| Dec. 23 (72) | From the Minister in Austria (tel.) Order of the Catholic Church, on December 5, for all clergy to withdraw from active politics, and issuance of pastoral letter supporting Dollfuss regime and condemning Nazis. |
5 |
| 1934 Jan. 9 (4) | From the Minister in Austria (tel.) Relinquishment by Dollfuss of policy of clemency toward local Nazis and decision to fight terrorism with strong-arm methods. |
5 |
| Jan. 25 (23) | From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Preoccupation of League of Nations officials with Austro-German situation in view of possible political repercussions. Austrian desire to bring her position with Germany to the attention of the Council. Conflicting opinions of the great powers toward this desire. |
5 |
| Jan. 26 (10) | From the Chargé in Austria (tel.) Concurrence of British Minister with a statement of the London Times that the Austrian situation is dangerously strained. Opinion that chances of Nazis are increasing and only economic help can avert a crisis. |
7 |
| 1934 Jan. 27 (64) | From the Chargé in Austria Austrian threat to Germany to appeal to League of Nations. |
8 |
| Jan. 30 (18) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Discussion of Austro-German situation with German Ambassador, who stated that the Austrian people are German, and political activity in Austria will develop sympathetically toward German Nazis. |
10 |
| Feb. 12 (17) | From the Chargé in Austria (tel.) Search of Socialist headquarters by police resulting in bloodshed and martial law; subsequent sympathy strike by electrical workmen in Vienna. |
10 |
| Feb. 13 (18) | From the Chargé in Austria (tel.) Development of Socialist strike into a general Socialist revolt against the Government, but with little public sympathy. Information that revolt has been suppressed by Government forces. |
11 |
| Feb. 13 (19) | From the Chargé in Austria (tel.) Information that Government’s efficient suppression of Socialist revolt has restored confidence in Dollfuss, and that Dollfuss will now concentrate on fighting the Nazis. |
11 |
| Feb. 14 | Memorandum by the Under Secretary of
State Résumé of conversation with Austrian Minister, who emphasized Dollfuss’ mistake in inviting Fascist Party to cooperate with Government forces against Nazi influence; his opinion, however, that the difficulties would solve themselves if Dollfuss could remain in power. |
11 |
| Feb. 14 | To the Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Request for brief analysis of reaction in Great Britain to Austrian developments. (Footnote: The same, mutatis mutandis, to France and Italy.) |
13 |
| Feb. 14 (5) | To the Chargé in Austria (tel.) Request for short daily analysis of events in Austria. |
13 |
| Feb. 14 (26) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Confirmation by the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs that France had asked England and Italy to join in a declaration expressing their readiness, at Austrian request, to maintain the independence and integrity of Austria—a declaration which might make Austrian appeal to the League unnecessary. |
13 |
| Feb. 15 (7) | To the Chargé in Austria (tel.) Request for more frequent reports during crisis, including information on welfare of Americans in Austria. |
14 |
| Feb. 15 (21) | From the Chargé in Austria (tel.) Report that artillery action has been necessary to subdue remaining Socialist resistance. |
14 |
| Feb. 15 (28) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Italian belief that Dollfuss has situation in Austria well in hand and that there will be less Nazi opposition after the downfall of the Socialist Party. |
15 |
| 1934 Feb. 15 (128) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Approval by France of Dollfuss’ proposal to submit dispute with Germany to the League Council. |
15 |
| Feb. 16 (22) | From the Chargé in Austria (tel.) Dollfuss’ offer of truce followed by peace and definite end of Socialist uprising. Advice that Americans had not been in any danger. |
16 |
| Feb. 16 (23) | From the Chargé in Austria (tel.) Foreign Office complaints over despatches of American press correspondents. Explanation that the correspondents, because of their own political sympathies, are hostile to Dollfuss for suppression of Socialists. |
17 |
| Feb. 16 (10) | From the Chargé in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Czechoslovak opinion that Austrian situation can be settled only by intervention of the states signatory to the Geneva Protocol of 1922; understanding that Benes is in Paris urging agreement among interested powers as to possible joint action if needed. |
17 |
| Feb. 17 (24) | From the Chargé in Austria (tel.) Figures on casualties in recent Socialist revolt. Observation that Dollfuss’ greatest weakness is lack of an army; that his greatest strength lies in his prestige and fact that his use of force has impressed Nazis. |
18 |
| Feb. 17 (25) | From the Chargé in Austria (tel.) Cabinet reorganization. Gradual cessation of martial law. Support of Dollfuss by organized Jewry. |
19 |
| Feb. 22 (31) | From the Chargé in Austria (tel.) Pacification of country by Dollfuss, who holds only pity and charity, not revenge, toward the Socialists. |
19 |
| Feb. 28 (37) | From the Minister in Austria (tel.) Proposed press statement (text printed) in response to requests for an interview. |
20 |
| Feb. 28 (38) | From the Minister in Austria (tel.) Foreign Office approval of proposed statement. |
21 |
| Feb. 28 (11) | To the Minister in Austria (tel.) Opinion that proposed statement would create misunderstanding in Europe and in United States and that interview should be confined to an analysis of economic conditions in United States. |
21 |
| Mar. 2 (39) | From the Minister in Austria (tel.) Conclusions following tour of Vienna districts involved in recent uprising: Emergence of Dollfuss in greater strength, existence of more stable conditions due to Nazi fear of death from military forces, and loyalty of police and soldiers to Government. |
21 |
| Mar. 5 (38) | From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Austrian Government’s failure to approach the League; improbability of such action until after projected Hungarian and Italian tripartite conversations with Austria. |
23 |
| 1934 Mar. 6 (594) | From the Ambassador in Germany Radio broadcast of February 19, by Nazi leader Habricht, in which he declared a one-week truce during which all party members are forbidden to attack the Austrian Government; German and Italian reaction to Habricht’s broadcast. |
23 |
| Mar. 18 (618) | From the Chargé in Germany Subsiding of constant press attacks on Dollfuss; German concern over Italo-Austro-Hungarian conference in Rome and Mussolini’s interest in France rather than Germany. |
24 |
| Mar. 19 | Memorandum by the Under Secretary of
State Italian Ambassador’s presentation of the new Italian Counselor of Embassy, who discussed the Austrian situation; Ambassador’s comments on recent Italian exchange of views with France concerning Austria. |
25 |
| May 11 (65) | From the Chargé in Austria (tel.) Increase of Nazi activities coupled with Munich radio-attacks against Dollfuss. |
25 |
| May 15 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Austrian Minister’s delivery of message from Dollfuss of greeting and good will. Minister’s review of conditions in Austria, revealing some improvement in relations with neighboring countries, and hope for better trade arrangements with United States. |
26 |
| June 12 (71) | From the Minister in Austria (tel.) Confirmation of press reports on bombing outrages in Austria. Government’s claim that National Socialist sources outside Germany are responsible. |
26 |
| June 20 (126) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Official information that no commitments or agreements concerning Austria resulted from the Hitler-Mussolini conversations but that relations between Germany and Italy were improved. Proposed visit by Mussolini to Hitler in October, at which time the Austrian elections are scheduled. |
27 |
| June 21 (73) | From the Minister in Austria (tel.) French Foreign Minister’s pledge of support to Austria and expression of confidence in Dollfuss. |
28 |
| June 25 (80) | From the Minister in Austria (tel.) Unauthorized announcement over Austrian Government radio that Dollfuss had resigned and Rintelen, Austrian Minister in Italy, was the new Chancellor, which was subsequently denied by Government authorities as an act of sabotage. |
29 |
| July 25 (81) | From the Minister in Austria (tel.) Statement by Mayor of Vienna to chiefs of missions, giving details of recent abortive Nazi attempt to seize control of the Government; information that Dollfuss was wounded and a prisoner in the Foreign Office, and that police have been ordered to clear the building. |
29 |
| July 25 (82) | From the Minister in Austria (tel.) Information from Mayor of Vienna that Dollfuss has died and that Schuschnigg is acting until return of Vice-Chancellor Starhemberg from Italy. |
30 |
| 1934 July 26 | To the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs and
Chancellor of Austria (tel.) Expression of grief at death of Dollfuss and of sympathy to Government and people of Austria. |
31 |
| July 26 | From President Roosevelt to President Wilhelm
Miklas (tel.) Expression of horror and regret at assassination of Dollfuss, and sympathy for Austrian people. |
31 |
| July 27 (39) | From the Chargé in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Opinion of public that Germany is responsible for murder of Dollfuss. Foreign Office belief that no international complications will follow recent events in Vienna, that Dollfuss’ policies will be continued and National Socialism in Austria weakened. |
31 |
| July 27 (86) | From the Minister in Austria (tel.) Austrian Government’s belief that Nazis attempted to seize power by murder of Dollfuss and intimidation of Cabinet, and that Rintelen’s ambitions for Chancellorship paralleled Nazi plans. Conversation with Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs, in which the latter stated that Dollfuss policies will continue under leadership of Schuschnigg. |
32 |
| July 28 (87) | From the Minister in Austria (tel.) Public dedication by President Miklas and Acting Chancellor Starhemberg at Dollfuss’ funeral to his policies and to Austrian independence. Observations as to the necessity for settlement of Austrian problem in securing European peace. |
33 |
| July 30 (88) | From the Minister in Austria (tel.) Formation of new Cabinet by Schuschnigg at President’s order. |
34 |
| Aug. 1 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Meeting with Austrian Minister, who expressed opinion that the new regime in Austria is of same political persuasion as that of Dollfuss. |
35 |
| Aug. 1 | From the Minister in Austria Chronological events in Austria since July 25 with some interpretive comment. |
35 |
| Aug. 9 (93) | From the Minister in Austria Austrian Cabinet’s announcement of its acceptance of Von Papen as German Minister to Austria. Impression that Von Papen will not mitigate the tension existing between Germany and Austria. |
47 |
| Aug. 21 (1194) | From the Ambassador in Germany Arrival of Von Papen at Vienna, where he was met by members of German Legation but not by members of Austrian Government. Von Papen’s presentation of his credentials to the President. |
48 |
| Sept. 14 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Information from Italian Ambassador on his return from leave that the European situation was calmer for two reasons—the improvement of relations between France and Italy, and the mobilization of troops by Mussolini at the time of the Austrian crisis. |
49 |
| 1934 Oct. 5 (168) | From the Minister in Austria Return of Von Papen after stay of several weeks in Germany and visit to Hungarian member of Parliament who is known favorably in National Socialist circles. General impression in Vienna that German influence will be exerted in nearby capitals to prevent any French-Italian agreement, and that, in the meantime, Von Papen will seek to assure Austria that Germany will not interfere in internal affairs. |
49 |
| Oct. 16 (176) | From the Minister in Austria Conclusion that Von Papen lacks specific instructions to alleviate Austro-German situation. Report that Austrian newspapers were ordered to restrain comment on Austro-German relations since German radio propaganda against Austria has ceased. Von Papen’s departure for Berlin October 15. |
52 |
| Dec. 6 | Memorandum by the Minister in Austria of a
Conversation With the German Minister in Austria American Minister’s suggestion that Germany could relieve fears of Austria and Europe by a declaration relinquishing political aspirations toward Austria; Von Papen’s reply that no guarantee of Austria’s independence could be given since it was something which did not exist. |
54 |
| Dec. 6 (167) | From the Minister in Hungary Austrian Minister’s comment on Von Papen’s assignment that latter’s influence in Germany was slight and his control over Austrian Nazis was evidence that past activities were German-dictated. |
57 |
Visit of Austrian Trade Mission to the United States; Discussions Regarding the Possibility of Opening Negotiations for Trade Agreement
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 2 (2) | From the Minister in Austria (tel.) Information from the Minister of Commerce that special missions will be sent abroad by the Austrian Government, including one to the United States, in order to expand foreign trade. |
58 |
| Feb. 1 | Memorandum by the Under Secretary of
State Arrival in United States of Austrian Trade Commission on February 15 for period of one month. |
58 |
| Feb. 21 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Meeting of State and Commerce Department officials with Austrian trade delegation, who desired to present a memorandum relative to certain U. S. tariff items; explanation to Austrians that the United States is not in a position to start trade negotiations with Austria and that no commitment could be made as to future action in the matter. |
59 |
| Mar. 12 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Departure of Austrian Minister for 5 weeks’ visit in Austria, during which time he would make study and inquiry regarding Austrian manufactured articles marketable in the United States, for consideration in any reciprocal trade negotiations. |
60 |
| 1934 Aug. 1 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Treaty
Division Interview with Austrian Minister with reference to a press article reporting U. S.-Austrian trade negotiations as unfeasible. Assurances to the Minister as to unofficial nature of the report. |
60 |
Assistance by the Department of State to the Vacuum Oil Company in an Effort To Secure From the Austrian Government an Increased Import Quota for Crude Oil
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Apr. 20 (22) | To the Chargé in Austria (tel.) Authorization for representations at Foreign Office on behalf of Vacuum Oil Company expressing hope that the company’s investment and capacity will be considered in Austrian Government’s allocation of the 1934 oil quotas. |
61 |
| Apr. 21 (56) | From the Chargé in Austria (tel.) Information that Vacuum Oil Company quota matter has been taken up with the Foreign Office. |
62 |
| Sept. 15 (42) | To the Minister in Austria (tel.) Instructions to discuss with Vienna representative of the Vacuum Oil Company the company’s contention that share of import permits allocated to it is inequitable and, if claim appears just, to support company’s request for a redistribution of import permits. |
62 |
| Oct. 3 (163) | From the Minister in Austria Conclusions, after thorough investigation, that Vacuum Oil Company lacked necessary evidence to support further representations by the Legation. |
62 |
| Nov. 2 (53) | To the Minister in Austria (tel.) Concurrence in view that further assistance to Vacuum Oil Company is inappropriate. |
70 |
BELGIUM
Preliminary Discussions Respecting a Trade Agreement Between the United States and Belgium
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 4 (101) | From the Chargé in Belgium Inquiry from Foreign Office official regarding attitude of United States toward the institution of commercial treaty negotiations with Belgium. |
71 |
| Feb. 5 (5) | To the Ambassador in Belgium (tel.) Instructions to reply to Belgian inquiry that at present discussions are confined to those countries whose products are more largely noncompetitive with U. S. products, but that arrangements are being made for extending the reciprocity program to other countries. |
72 |
| 1934 May 31 (197) | From the Ambassador in Belgium Foreign Office note, May 30 (text printed), advising of Belgian Government’s readiness to enter into trade negotiations with the United States, and listing briefly Belgian grievances as regards U. S. commercial policy. |
72 |
| June 22 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with Belgian Ambassador regarding various trade agreement questions. |
76 |
| July 9 (2824) | From the Belgian Ambassador Observation that the Belgian trade balance with the United States is unfavorable. Suggestion that studies of economic problems be undertaken and analytical memorandums be drawn up by each party. |
77 |
| July 12 | To the Belgian Ambassador Accession to Belgian suggestion for a study of commercial relations between Belgium and the United States and intention to set up a committee of experts for the purpose. |
79 |
| Sept. 1 (41) | To the Ambassador in Belgium (tel.) Plans for announcement to the press, September 4, of intention to open trade agreement negotiations with Belgium. |
80 |
| Nov. 8 (51) | To the Ambassador in Belgium (tel.) Arrangement for U. S.-Belgian exchange of memorandums of desiderata. |
81 |
| Nov. 12 (287) | From the Ambassador in Belgium Foreign Office note and memorandum (texts printed) submitting Belgian desiderata; reservation of right by Belgian Government to present additional desiderata. |
81 |
| Nov. 12 | To the Belgian Chargé Transmittal of list of products on which the United States is requesting concessions, and information that suggestions for general provisions of the trade agreement will be submitted later. |
85 |
| Nov. 27 (52) | To the Ambassador in Belgium (tel.) Information that study of Belgian desiderata has been completed and found acceptable as basis for negotiations; readiness to begin negotiations as soon as Belgian experts arrive. |
86 |
| Dec. 31 (4877) | From the Belgian Chargé Information that Belgian delegation will be ready to begin commercial negotiations on January 14, 1935. |
86 |
Informal Representations by the Embassy in Belgium Regarding Taxation of American Firms Operating in Belgium Through Belgian Agents
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Feb. 12 (124) | From the Ambassador in Belgium Information concerning Belgian policy of taxing foreign firms operating in Belgium through a Belgian agent, as illustrated by the case of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Export Company of Akron, Ohio, and Embassy’s representations that such action is unjustified by existing regulations and is harmful to American business interests in Belgium. |
87 |
| 1934 Mar. 13(54) | To the Ambassador in Belgium Approval of Embassy’s action in urging the Belgian Government to abandon taxation on American firms. |
91 |
| May 23 (193) | From the Ambassador in Belgium Foreign Office note, April 18 (text printed), explaining Belgian position that the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company has the alternative of accepting taxation or entering legal proceedings against the Government. Advice that Embassy does not feel it should advise the Company to take legal action, and request for further instructions. (Footnote: Information that apparently no instruction for further action in the matter was given.) |
91 |
Suspension by Belgium of Its Denunciation of Agreement With the United States Concerning Reciprocal Recognition of Airworthiness of Aircraft, Signed October 22, 1932
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Mar. 27 (196/1019) | From the Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs to the
American Ambassador in Belgium Belgian Government’s notification of denunciation of agreement with United States concerning reciprocal recognition of certificates of airworthiness for aircraft imported as merchandise, signed October 22, 1932. |
94 |
| Apr. 14 (16) | To the Ambassador in Belgium (tel.) Instructions to express hope that the Belgian Government may be willing to withdraw its denunciation notice pending U. S. investigation of any objections to the agreement. |
96 |
| Apr. 18 (18) | From the Ambassador in Belgium (tel.) Belgian note, April 17 (text printed), indicating willingness to suspend denunciation of agreement, provided a supplemental agreement containing certain conditions is concluded. |
96 |
| Apr. 19 (17) | To the Ambassador in Belgium (tel.) Instructions to inform Belgian Government of U. S. willingness to enter into negotiations for new agreement immediately and to inquire whether Belgian Government would now be willing to withdraw its notice of denunciation of present arrangement. |
97 |
| Apr. 26 (72) | To the Ambassador in Belgium Instructions to inform Belgian Government of U. S. appreciation of its action in withdrawing its denunciation notice and to advise that Belgian draft supplementary agreement, when received, will be given prompt consideration. |
98 |
BULGARIA
Military Coup d’Etat in Bulgaria
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 May 19 (16) | From the Minister in Bulgaria (tel.) Seizure of government and occupation of ministries and public offices by military forces; issuance by the King of a decree appointing a new Cabinet as presented to him by the leaders of the movement. |
99 |
| May 19 (156) | From the Bulgarian Chargé Composition of the new Cabinet, headed by Kimon Gheorghieff as Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs. |
99 |
| May 21 (17) | From the Minister in Bulgaria (tel.) Information concerning complete change in country’s political structure following coup d’état. Resumption of relations with Soviet Union, and rapprochement with Yugoslavia. |
100 |
| May 21 (158) | From the Bulgarian Chargé Information that the new government will continue a cooperative policy with the League of Nations and friendly relations with all other nations. |
100 |
| May 21 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Near
Eastern Affairs Observations by Bulgarian Chargé that the most important point of his note No. 158 of May 21 was the continuation of an understanding policy with Bulgaria’s neighbors; his emphasis on thought that political and economic crisis was responsible for change from democratic ideals to a dictatorial government. |
101 |
| May 26 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Near
Eastern Affairs Opinion that the coup d’état in Bulgaria does not involve question of recognition since the Head of State remained the same and an official decree sanctioned the change. |
101 |
Proposed Treaty Between the United States and Bulgaria Concerning Military Service and Dual Nationality
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 May 10 (13) | From the Minister in Bulgaria Note verbale to Foreign Ministry, March 24 (text printed), concerning U. S. desire to reach agreements with Bulgaria on problem of dual nationality; Foreign Ministry’s reply, April 17 (text printed), indicating that no action will be taken at the present time. |
102 |
| July 3 | Memorandum by Mr. Maynard B. Barnes of the Division
of Near Eastern Affairs Conclusion that signature of a treaty with Bulgaria will be impossible without change in the Bulgarian law on nationality. Opinion that Bulgarian note of April 17 should be accepted as a final reply. |
105 |
Representations Respecting Bulgarian Monopoly Legislation To Safeguard American Investment in “Petrole”
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Sept. 7 (20) | To the Minister in Bulgaria (tel.) Concern of Socony-Vacuum Oil Company that Bulgaria may establish a petroleum monopoly, resulting in confiscation of the company’s investment in Petrole, a petroleum sales organization in Bulgaria. Instructions to follow developments and keep Department informed. |
106 |
| Nov. 26 (25) | From the Minister in Bulgaria (tel.) Approval of petroleum monopoly law by Council of Ministers, conferring on Government powers potentially confiscatory in application. |
106 |
| Nov. 28 (21) | To the Minister in Bulgaria (tel.) Instructions to see the Prime Minister and explain that should manner of application of monopoly law destroy investment of Socony-Vacuum Oil Company, indemnification and arrangements for transfer of payments will be expected. |
107 |
| Dec. 4 (85) | From the Minister in Bulgaria Information that an official copy of the petroleum monopoly law was obtained from the Foreign Minister, at which time oral representations were made concerning the possible prejudicial effect on American interests; also, that a written note was presented to the Foreign Office on December 3. |
107 |
| Dec. 18 (91) | From the Minister in Bulgaria Information that the monopoly law was promulgated December 12; that no reply was received to Legation’s note of December 3, but that it is expected that full application of the petroleum monopoly will be avoided. |
108 |
CZECHOSLOVAKIA
Report on the German Minority in Czechoslovakia; Their Attitude Toward National Socialism and Germany
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Apr. 4 (321) | To the Chargé in
Czechoslovakia Instructions to report on attitude of German-speaking population toward Czechoslovak Government and toward neighboring countries and the influence of this group on future political developments in Central Europe. |
110 |
| May 5 (170) | From the Chargé in Czechoslovakia Detailed and comprehensive report (text printed) regarding German minority group in Czechoslovakia. |
110 |
Informal Representations on Behalf of Mormon Missionaries Threatened With Expulsion From Czechoslovakia
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Oct. 8 (36) | To the Minister in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Instructions with regard to a request of a representative of the Mormon Church that certain evidence be submitted in court proceedings now pending in Czechoslovakia looking toward expulsion of the Church mission and missionaries from the country. |
120 |
| Oct. 11 (49) | From the Minister in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Foreign Office assurance concerning presentation of information to the judge in the case. |
121 |
| Oct. 22 (54) | From the Minister in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Information from the President of the Mormon Mission in Czechoslovakia that the case has been satisfactorily settled. |
122 |
DENMARK
Preliminary Discussions Respecting a Trade Agreement Between the United States and Denmark
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 23 (102) | From the Minister in Denmark Information that Danish Government has decided to adopt a high protective tariff on certain commodities, which will adversely affect imports from the United States. Observations as to advantage in immediate trade negotiations between United States and Denmark. |
123 |
| May 7 (66) | To the Minister in Denmark Instructions to report possible bases of a trade agreement between United States and Denmark. |
124 |
| June 13 (177) | From the Minister in Denmark Suggestions, in view of necessity for Denmark’s expansion of export markets, that consideration be given to increasing Danish imports to United States, preferably agricultural products, which might serve as a basis for trade negotiations. |
125 |
| Nov. 28 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Discussion with Minister to Denmark regarding difficulties of a U. S.-Danish trade agreement. Authorization to Minister to indicate confidentially to Danish Government that, provided discrimination against American trade ceases, Denmark might receive collateral benefits from U. S. trade agreement program. |
127 |
Arrangement Between the United States and Denmark for Air Navigation, Effected by Exchange of Notes, Signed March 12 and 24, 1934
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| (Note: Citation to text of arrangement.) | 128 |
Arrangement Between the United States and Denmark for Pilot Licenses To Operate Civil Aircraft, Effected by Exchange of Notes, Signed March 14 and 24, 1934
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| (Note: Citation to text of arrangement.) | 128 |
DENMARK
Arrangement Between the United States and Denmark for Reciprocal Recognition of Certificates of Airworthiness for Imported Aircraft, Effected by Exchange of Notes, Signed March 12 and 24, 1934
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| (Note: Citation to text of arrangement.) | 128 |
ESTONIA
Representations Regarding Alleged Discrimination Against American Trade in Estonia
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 July 24 (12) | To the Chargé in Estonia Instructions to report treatment by Estonian authorities of American trade and their alleged efforts to divert to other countries the purchase of commodities which formerly were imported from the United States. |
129 |
| Oct. 6 (43) | From the Consul at Tallinn Submission of data and conclusions as to Estonian discrimination against U. S. imports into Estonia; likelihood of further discrimination following entry into effect of the new Estonian trade agreement with Great Britain, signed July 11. |
130 |
| Dec. 12 (21) | To the Chargé in Estonia Instructions to obtain an interview with the Foreign Minister and to deliver a memorandum pointing out U. S. anxiety over increasing difficulties of American trade with Estonia, and to express orally U. S. apprehension over discriminatory practices of Estonian authorities and hope that these will be discontinued. |
131 |
FINLAND
Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Consular Rights Between the United States and Finland, Signed February 13, 1934
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1927 Jan. 29 (2) | To the Minister in Finland (tel.) Instructions to ascertain if negotiation of Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Consular Rights can be expedited. |
134 |
| Feb. 3 (376) | From the Minister in Finland Information from Foreign Office as to the reasons why commercial treaty has been held in abeyance; that the question will, however, be brought to the attention of the commission of foreign treaties. |
134 |
| 1929 Dec. 18 (1537) | From the Chargé in Finland Discussion with Foreign Minister of question of renewal of treaty negotiations; request for Department’s instructions regarding further action. |
135 |
| 1930 Mar. 26 (157) | To the Minister in Finland Information that Department has received comments of the Finnish Government on draft of the treaty in question and that a discussion of the proposals will be initiated in near future. |
136 |
| 1933 Aug. 14 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of
Eastern European Affairs Completion of negotiations for the treaty with Finland. Bases for opinion that treaty should be completed for submission to the Senate in January. 1934, and that the Finnish Government be invited to initiate proposals for a reciprocal agreement covering certain commodities in the trade between the two countries. |
136 |
| 1934 Jan. 16 | From the Chief of the Division of Eastern European
Affairs to the Assistant Secretary of State Transmittal of copy of final draft of the proposed treaty with Finland. |
139 |
| Jan. 19 | Memorandum by the Under Secretary of
State Authorization by the President for proposed treaty with Finland. Request to be notified when treaty will be ready for signature. |
140 |
| Jan. 22 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Information that Finnish treaty is near completion, and that Finnish Minister has advised that he will be ready to sign the treaty whenever notified by Department. |
140 |
| Feb. 13 | Treaty Between the United States of America and
Finland, Signed at Washington (Note: Citation to text of treaty.) |
141 |
Preliminary Discussions Respecting a Trade Agreement Between the United States and Finland
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Apr. 17 (172) | From the Minister in Finland Comments on Finnish trade with Great Britain and with United States. Suggestion as to possibility of negotiation of a bilateral agreement for the promotion of American trade with Finland. |
141 |
| July 18 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Eastern
European Affairs Record of discussion between Assistant Secretary Sayre and the Finnish Chargé regarding negotiation of a reciprocal trade agreement with Finland. U. S. suggestion for study during summer months looking toward exploratory conversations in September. |
143 |
| July 19 (20) | To the Minister in Finland (tel.) Information that the Finnish Legation has been advised that the United States is prepared to enter exploratory conversations. Instructions to report on important commodities imported by Finland from the United States. |
143 |
| Aug. 6 (21) | To the Minister in Finland (tel.) Information that Finnish Legation has failed to receive Foreign Office reply to U. S. proposal for exploratory conversations. Instructions to consult with Assistant Secretary of State, on his arrival in Finland August 7, and with his approval, to indicate to Foreign Office U. S. desire for an early acceptance of the proposal. |
144 |
| 1934 Aug. 11 | From the Minister in Finland (tel.) Acting Foreign Minister’s advice that experts will probably be sent to Washington for exploratory conversations, but that official decision must await Cabinet meeting. |
145 |
| Aug. 21 | From the Minister in Finland (tel.) Information that Finnish Government will send an expert to United States about October 1. |
145 |
| Dec. 15 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Eastern
European Affairs Discussion between Department officials and Secretary of Finnish Legation concerning U. S. desire to announce, on December 19, its intention to negotiate a reciprocal trade agreement with Finland. |
145 |
| Dec. 19 | Statement by the Secretary of State Press release giving notice of U. S. intention to negotiate a trade agreement with Finland. |
146 |
Representations by the Finnish Government in Support of Claims Against the United States Arising From the Detention of Finnish Ships in American Harbors
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Apr. 26 | Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State of a
Conversation With the Finnish Minister Discussion of claims question arising from U. S. detention in 1918 of certain Finnish ships; Minister’s request that action be taken to permit adjudication of the claims by the U. S. Court of Claims. |
147 |
| May 8 | To the Finnish Minister Memorandum (text printed) indicating considerations leading to U. S. rejection of the Finnish request. |
147 |
| June 4 | From the Finnish Minister Renewal of request, based on contention that points set forth in Department’s memorandum of May 8 fail to justify refusal of authority for the claimants to secure judicial action. |
150 |
| Oct. 2 | To the Finnish Legation Request for further evidence in support of claims. | 157 |
| Dec. 11 | To the Finnish Minister Opinion, after further examination of pertinent information, that the Finnish claim was based on faulty factual premises, and that Department’s note of May 8 fully answered contention of Finnish Minister. |
157 |
| Dec. 18 | Memorandum by the Secretary of State of a
Conversation With the Finnish Minister Finnish Minister’s advice that Finnish lawyers took issue with the Department’s position in the matter of the Finnish claim. Assurance to the Minister that the Department would continue consideration of the case. |
160 |
| Dec. 20 | From the Finnish Minister Contention that evidence submitted in the Finnish claim case justifies expectation that Congressional permission will be granted to present the claim of the U. S. Court of Claims. |
161 |
FRANCE
Efforts To Secure Ratification by France of the Convention Between the United States and France on Double Taxation, Signed at Paris, April 27, 1932
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 27 (41) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Sentiment in United States with regard to French trade policies and French Government’s failure to push ratification of double taxation treaty, and inquiry as to indications of French intentions in the matter. |
167 |
| Feb. 26 | Memorandum by the First Secretary of Embassy in
France of a Conversation With a Representative of the French
Minister for Foreign Affairs Account of conversation on February 20, resulting in a Foreign Office note to the Finance Minister recommending action for securing ratification of the double taxation convention. |
167 |
| Mar. 17 (208) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Information that despite strong representations by the Embassy, the French Parliament has adjourned until May 15 without completing ratification of the treaty. Recommendation for U. S. retaliatory measures. |
169 |
| May 24 (379) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Finance Minister’s promise to attempt to speed ratification of the treaty. His expression of apprehension over possible further devaluation of the dollar. |
170 |
| May 26 (207) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Department’s assurance that further dollar depreciation is not now contemplated. |
171 |
| June 8 (426) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Finance Minister’s request for permission to publish statement that United States has no present intention of further dollar depreciation. |
171 |
| June 9 (224) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Treasury Department’s opinion that public statement should emanate from Washington. |
172 |
| July 7 (514) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Adjournment of Parliament without passage of double taxation convention. Doubt as to advisability of putting into effect new U. S. retaliatory tax law. |
172 |
| July 31 | From the French Ministry for Foreign Affairs to the
American Embassy in France Foreign Office regret that ratification of convention in question failed passage in Parliament, but assurance that Parliament will reach a decision as soon as it reconvenes. |
173 |
| Oct. 30 | Memorandum by the Counselor of Embassy in
France Conversation with Foreign Office official concerning necessity for strong governmental insistence to effect ratification of the treaty. |
174 |
| Dec. 24 (955) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Passage, on Government demand, by Chamber of Deputies of a law assenting to the double taxation convention, which now goes to the Senate. |
174 |
| (Note: Information on ratification and proclamation of the convention.) | 175 |
Preliminary Discussions Respecting a Trade Agreement Between the United States and France
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Aug. 20 | Memorandum by the Second Secretary of Embassy in
France French official’s inquiry as to when renewal of negotiations for a commercial treaty between United States and France was contemplated; reply that no date has been set. |
175 |
| Undated | Memorandum by the Second Secretary of Embassy in
France French intention to draw up a rough outline of a basis for the treaty, pending U. S. readiness to proceed with negotiations. |
176 |
| Oct. 12 (745) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Reference to press article stating that Franco-American commercial negotiations are expected to begin soon; opinion that French press should be informed that negotiations with France are not contemplated until sometime in 1935. |
179 |
| Oct. 13 (419) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Indications by French Ambassador and Commercial Attaché of their Government’s desire to commence negotiations at an early date, and readiness to make real concessions. Department’s attitude toward the suggestion, and request for comments on proposed reply. |
179 |
| Oct. 14 (753) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Recommendation that comprehensive negotiations should await definite commitments by France and ratification of the double taxation treaty. |
181 |
| Undated | Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State of a
Conversation With the French Ambassador, November 8,
1934 French Ambassador’s explanation of his Government’s recent instructions regarding trade conversations. His emphasis on importance to American trade of early conclusion of a trade agreement. |
182 |
| Nov. 22 (867) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Suggestion that French Ambassador be advised that, unless his Government makes a much more advantageous offer, no justification is seen for commercial negotiations with France at present. |
183 |
| Undated | Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State of a
Conversation With the French Ambassador, November 23,
1934 Discussion concerning question of continuation of negotiations for a trade agreement with France; Ambassador’s suggestion that, in view of installation of a new government in France, it was worth while to keep trade discussions open. |
184 |
| Dec. 4 (482) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Proposed aide-mémoire (text printed) to be handed to the French Ambassador, setting forth U. S. disinclination to proceed with trade negotiations on basis of French proposals. Intention to propose orally the conclusion of a modus vivendi pending negotiation of a comprehensive agreement. Request for observations. |
184 |
| Dec. 6 (908) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Approval in general of proposed aide-mémoire; submission of a few suggestions, particularly with respect to oral additions. |
186 |
| 1934 Dec. 7 (491) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Appreciation of comments; explanation of Department’s decision not to accept proposed modifications. |
187 |
| Dec. 10 (492) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Presentation of aide-mémoire to French Ambassador; emphasis on importance of early ratification of double taxation treaty. |
188 |
| Dec. 18 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs French reply to U. S. aide-mémoire of December 10, indicating that it would be very difficult to agree to a modus vivendi, and submitting list of maximum concessions which France is prepared to make at present. U. S. explanation of advantages of concluding a modus vivendi, which Ambassador said he would submit to his Government. |
189 |
Efforts To Obtain Minimum Tariff Rate on American Rice Imported Into France
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 22 (44) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Passage by Chamber of Deputies of a bill increasing tariff on rice. |
190 |
| Jan. 24 (29) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Instructions to attempt to secure minimum rate for American rice imports into France. |
191 |
| May 31 (939) | From the Ambassador in France Foreign Office advice that the modus vivendi of 1927 does not apply to rice; offer, however, in exchange for removal of U. S. excise tax on Indochinese anthracite, to give United States minimum tariff rate on whole rice. Request for instructions as to further action. |
191 |
| June 19 (443) | To the Ambassador in France Information on court decisions regarding application of the excise tax in cases brought by importers of foreign coal. Suggestion that Foreign Office be informed that U. S. duty on Indochinese coal was removed gratuitously and that coal imports from Indochina are of relative unimportance compared to U. S. rice exports to France. |
192 |
| June 20 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of
Western European Affairs Conversation between Economic Adviser of the Department and First Secretary of French Embassy. Statement by Economic Adviser that Indochinese coal is now duty free and that excise tax will lapse at end of fiscal year unless renewed by Congress; that the United States would not be interested in reciprocal discussions involving only one commodity. |
194 |
| June 28 (482) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Inquiry as to possible French exemption from excise tax on coal should Supreme Court uphold decisions of the lower courts, since France is entitled to most-favored-nation treatment under the modus vivendi of 1927. |
195 |
| 1934 July 13 (495) | To the Chargé in France Department of Justice decision that an appeal will not be taken on action of lower courts, and that the excise tax henceforth will not apply to those countries with which United States has unconditional most-favored-nation treaties; advice, however, that 1927 modus vivendi with France is merely an executive agreement, not a definitive treaty. |
195 |
Efforts To Arrive at “Quid Pro Quo” Arrangements With France Regarding French Turnover Tax and Protection in American Markets for Names of Origin of French Wines
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Aug. 22 (619) | From the Chargé” in France (tel.) Press report that a ruling by the U. S. Federal Alcohol Control Administration prohibits names of places of origin on wines and liquors not originating in such places. Desire for verification of report and other details. |
196 |
| Aug. 22 (343) | To the Chargé in France (tel.) Regulations of Federal Alcohol Control Administration relating to standards of identity and labeling of distilled spirits. Information that hearings on similar wine regulations will be held in September. |
196 |
| Aug. 30 (645) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) For Phillips: Embassy’s desire to utilize proposed regulations in endeavors to secure removal of French restrictions, such as turnover tax. Necessity for assurance that decision on new ruling will be deferred, pending Embassy’s conversations. |
197 |
| Aug. 31 (355) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Information that regulations on liquors are now in effect, but that wine regulations have been only tentatively drafted and will not be promulgated without careful study. |
198 |
| Sept. 7 | From the American Embassy in France to the French
Ministry for Foreign Affairs Proposal that Embassy use its good offices with U. S. Government for protection of French wine designations and that Foreign Office similarly use its good offices for certain adjustments sought by American trade. |
198 |
| Sept. 20 (692) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Insistence by Foreign Office that full protection be accorded names of origin of French wines in American markets, and willingness to study a counterproposal. |
201 |
| Sept. 22 (383) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Request that France submit list of names for which protection is being sought. Expectation that United States will receive satisfaction in regard to turnover tax and rice question in return for protection to French wine names. |
203 |
| Sept. 28 | Memorandum by the Second Secretary of Embassy in
France Discussion with Director of Commercial Section of Foreign Office regarding removal of turnover tax and grant of minimum duty on American rice in return for protection of French wine names. Evidence of lack of accord in point of view on quid pro quo basis of settlement. |
204 |
| 1934 Oct. 9 (1269) | From the Ambassador in France Foreign Office view that degree of protection offered French wine names is insufficient to warrant removal of turnover tax, and submission of counterproposal for a new basis of negotiation, offering reduction of turnover tax in return for U. S. reduction of duty on French laces. |
209 |
Informal Representations to the French Government With Respect to Discriminatory Restrictions on the Importation of Nitrates
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Nov. 8 (456) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Information from the Barrett Company that French nitrate allotments for 1934–35 exclude provision for American nitrate interests. Instructions to endeavor to secure an allotment for American nitrate interests commensurate with those of previous years. |
210 |
| Nov. 8 (1347) | From the Ambassador in France Observation that the only recourse for securing an allocation of nitrate for U. S. firms for the present season exists in insistence on U. S. rights under terms of the Franco-American quota agreement of 1932. |
210 |
| Nov. 20 (862) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Receipt of Foreign Office reply to Embassy’s representations asking maintenance of American position in the French nitrate market, to the effect that the French Government cannot modify the regime or subordinate allocation of licenses to question of price, particularly in view of reported adherence of American interests to the nitrate cartel. |
213 |
| Nov. 21 (469) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Approval of Embassy’s suggestions in regard to representations based on 1932 agreement. |
214 |
| Nov. 23 (869) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Request for information as to status of American producers in the nitrate cartel. Statement by European representative of the Barrett Company that his company was not a party to the cartel. |
214 |
| Nov. 24 (473) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Advice that as far as can be determined American nitrate interests are not parties to the cartel, but that they appear to be on friendly terms with cartel members. |
214 |
GERMANY
Political Developments in Germany Under the National Socialist Regime
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 31 (487) | From the Ambassador in Germany Summary of new law which unifies the Reich and centralizes authority in Berlin. |
215 |
| Feb. 1 (496) | From the Ambassador in Germany Observations on prevalence of discontent, especially among church and labor elements, but apparent inability of any of these elements to organize a revolt. |
216 |
| Feb. 20 (559) | From the Ambassador in Germany Observations on a law abolishing the Reichsrat, an institution representative of state sovereignty. |
217 |
| Undated | Memorandum by the Ambassador in
Germany Discussion in an interview with Hitler, March 7, of questions of improving relations between United States and Germany, the Jewish problem, and exchange scholarships. (Footnote: Information that copy was received in the Department March 26.) |
218 |
| Apr. 7 (683) | From the Chargé in Germany Report of an agreement to reorganize the Stahlhelm into a semimilitary, uniformed body to foster soldierly tradition and comradeship. |
221 |
| June 14 (116) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Information that a meeting will take place between the heads of the Italian and German Governments, with intimation that Mussolini’s chief aim will be Germany’s return to the League of Nations. |
222 |
| June 16 (120) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Information that the chiefs of the Italian and German Governments have met at Stra, near Venice, and have concluded their examination of European political problems. |
223 |
| June 20 (946) | From the Ambassador in Germany Evidence of existence of dissatisfaction with the Government on the grounds of religious and economic policies. |
224 |
| June 26 (962) | From the Ambassador in Germany Résumé of a speech by Vice Chancellor von Papen, June 17, at the University of Marburg, which criticized certain aspects and tendencies of the National Socialist movement and consequently produced a violent reaction from the radical elements of the Party. |
225 |
| June 30 (124) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Action of Hitler and Goring in assuming charge of S. A. forces and suppressing outbreaks of unruly elements in Munich and Berlin; report that former Chancellor Schleicher has been killed. Hitler’s proclamation calling on S. A. troops to be loyal to the new commander Lutze. |
229 |
| July 1 (82) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Instructions to make frequent brief telegraphic reports during current German crisis. |
229 |
| July 2 (77) | From the Minister in Austria (tel.) Observations on Austrian reaction to recent events in Germany. |
229 |
| 1934 July 2 (126) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Information that conspiracy has been liquidated and leaders of the intrigue eliminated. |
230 |
| July 5 (128) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Opinion that, in the absence of published details regarding alleged plot and executions, estimate of recent events is largely one of conjecture, but that apprehension prevails in the Government. |
231 |
| July 6 (133) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Conversation with Foreign Minister, who advised that the object of the recent conspiracy was to imprison the Government, Hitler included, and seize the power; his further advice that written proof of the conspiracy would shortly be published. |
232 |
| July 7 (1000) | From the Ambassador in Germany Detailed account of the events of June 30, and review of press comment. |
233 |
| July 12 (1018) | From the Ambassador in Germany Information that on July 3 the Government issued a law amending the Reich Election Law, which will permit Nazi authorities to fill vacancies with individuals considered to be most acceptable and dependable. |
238 |
| July 13 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the German Chargé, in which he stated that, on his own initiative, he was protesting the utterances of General Hugh S. Johnson, criticizing and condemning certain officials and actions of the German Government during the recent so-called uprising. |
238 |
| July 13 | To President Roosevelt, Aboard the U. S. S.
“Houston” (tel.) Statement to the press (text printed) emphasizing that General Johnson was speaking as an individual and not as an official. Request for approval. (Footnote: President’s telegraphic approval July 14.) |
239 |
| July 21 (148) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Reports from reliable sources that German situation is uncertain and dangerous, particularly the financial structure. |
240 |
| July 24 (1072) | From the Ambassador in Germany Comments on Hitler’s speech before the Reichstag, July 13, reviewing the events of June 30, and on present state of the Government. Report that President von Hindenburg is kept in ignorance of conditions and guarded by his son from unpleasant reports, which might affect the aged President’s health. |
241 |
| Aug. 2 (160) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Information that President von Hindenburg died the morning of August 2 and that the Cabinet is in session. |
243 |
| 1934 Aug. 3 (163) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Hitler’s desire that he continue to be addressed as Fuehrer and Chancellor rather than as President, but that transfer of Presidential functions and powers to him and to office of Chancellor, already approved by the Cabinet, be confirmed by free and secret vote of the people; designation of August 19 as voting day. |
244 |
| Aug. 8 | From the German Secretary of State for Foreign
Affairs to the American Ambassador in Germany Advice that in accordance with recent law, which entered into force August 2, the office of President was united with that of Chancellor. |
244 |
| Aug. 21 (171) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Address by Hitler, following plebiscite victory of August 19, expressing determination to strengthen unity and win the last remnant of the people for National Socialist doctrines. |
245 |
| Aug. 21 (1192) | From the Ambassador in Germany Report that the outcome of the plebiscite is claimed as a great victory for Hitler and that, in spite of some dissension, there is no imminent chance of a change in government. |
245 |
| Aug. 28 (1232) | From the Ambassador in Germany Transmittal of text of new oaths of allegiance, August 20, to be taken by the armed forces and civil servants of the Reich, declaring personal allegiance to Hitler. (Footnote: Quotation of texts.) |
248 |
| Oct. 19 (1393) | From the Ambassador in Germany Transmittal of text of a law enacted October 16, providing a new oath of office for Ministers of the Reich and of state governments, similar to those for civil servants and members of the armed forces. (Footnote: Text of new oath.) |
249 |
| Nov. 14 (1465) | From the Ambassador in Germany Reports of increasing discontent with the existing Government and of more outspoken criticism, but lack of unity of dissatisfied elements. |
251 |
| Nov. 16 (1474) | From the Ambassador in Germany Information that several organizations are endeavoring to maintain and stimulate racial unity between Germans of the Reich and Germans in foreign lands. |
253 |
| Nov. 23 | From the Chancellor of the German Reich to President
Roosevelt Information that on August 1 the offices of President and Chancellor of the Reich were combined and that Hitler assumed the office August 2. |
256 |
Nazi Control of Labor in Germany
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 18 (451) | From the Ambassador in Germany Information concerning a new labor law to go into effect May 1; widespread opposition to the Government’s efforts to create a totalitarian state. |
256 |
| Jan. 26 (464) | From the Ambassador in Germany Further details concerning the new labor law. |
258 |
| June 1 (889) | From the Ambassador in Germany Information concerning employment statistics and efforts to bring about stabilization of rural population and some unemployment relief in large cities. |
260 |
| June 11 (913) | From the Ambassador in Germany Substance of a new law for the regulation of labor distribution. |
261 |
| Sept. 6 (1255) | From the Ambassador in Germany Issuance by the Unemployment Bureau of a notice which will compel workers under 25 to vacate their jobs in favor of older unemployed persons. |
262 |
| Nov. 1 (1430) | From the Ambassador in Germany Information concerning Hitler’s decree of October 24 organizing the Labor Front and requiring all workers to be members. |
263 |
Relations of the Nazi Regime With the Evangelical and Roman Catholic Churches
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 15 (435) | From the Ambassador in Germany Report that the opposition clergy continue to withhold their approval of an order by Reich Bishop Mueller restraining public discussion of church policies by the pastors of the Evangelical Churches. |
265 |
| Jan. 31 (486) | From the Ambassador in Germany Report of active intervention by the State in the Evangelical Church conflict; publication of official statement January 27 (text printed) announcing loyalty to Reich Bishop Mueller by all the leaders of the German Evangelical Church. |
266 |
| Feb. 19 (545) | From the Ambassador in Germany Report of friction between the Catholic Church and the German Government. |
268 |
| May 14 (819) | From the Chargé in Germany Information that situation in the Evangelical Church is unsettled but that Bishop Mueller has achieved success in uniting several churches with the Unified Evangelical Church. |
270 |
| July 6 (996) | From the Ambassador in Germany Commencement of negotiations between the Catholic Church and the Government for the purpose of settling points of controversy. |
271 |
| Aug. 15 (1169) | From the Ambassador in Germany Report of adoption of measures by the Evangelical Church which were of decisive significance for pacification, resulting in transfer of legislative powers of the individual state churches to the Reich Church. |
273 |
| 1934 Oct. 3 (1337) | From the Ambassador in Germany Installation of Dr. Mueller as Reich Bishop and Primate of German Evangelical Church; evidence that installation of Reich Bishop and outward unification of Evangelical Church have failed to silence the opposition and reports that forcible measures have been applied to recalcitrant clergy. |
275 |
| Oct. 22 (1407) | From the Ambassador in Germany Further report on religious controversy; decision of one branch of the Unified Evangelical Church to secede and to request recognition by the Reich Government. |
276 |
| Dec. 14 (1589) | From the Chargé in Germany Information that conflict between German Protestant groups still exists and that Government is assuming an impartial attitude; Reich Bishop Mueller’s separation of the Church of the Prussian Union from the Reich Church and his efforts to repair his previous legal errors. |
278 |
Nazification of German Institutions of Learning
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 10 (414) | From the Ambassador in Germany Report that an order has been issued restricting drastically the number of students to be admitted to universities in 1934 with the purpose of reducing the number of college graduates. |
280 |
| Jan. 12 (1840) | From the Consul at Berlin Report that a change in the fundamental structure of the German school system will occur in the near future with conflict between conservative intellectuals in Germany and the National Socialist pseudo-intellectualists. |
281 |
| June 18 (932) | From the Ambassador in Germany Announcement of a division of the school week, allotting certain days to Hitler Youth activities, and of certain changes in the summer holiday. |
285 |
| July 31 (1111) | From the Ambassador in Germany Plans for reorganization of the Nazi Students Association, which has been made directly subordinate to the Führer’s representative, Rudolf Hess. |
286 |
| Aug. 14 (1160) | From the Ambassador in Germany Account of plan to secure uniform training in Nazi ideas for all Nazi organizations for German youth. |
287 |
| Oct. 22 | From the Consul at Leipzig Meeting of National Socialist Teachers Union of Saxony, October 5–7, emphasizing the aim of propagation of National Socialist ideas among teachers and the principles of race consciousness as a basis of education in German schools. |
288 |
Persecution of Jews in Germany
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 8 (407) | From the Ambassador in Germany Statement by the Reich Minister of Interior reviewing the anti-Jewish legislation enacted by the Nazi regime. |
291 |
| Jan. 19 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Observations concerning receipt from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee of a draft resolution relating to the anti-Semitic question in Germany. |
293 |
| May 25 (1576) | From the Consul at Stuttgart Account of one instance in which a German Court has rendered a favorable decision in the case of a person of Jewish faith. |
294 |
| June 18 (935) | From the Ambassador in Germany Information that Nazi methods of treatment of the Jews have become more subtle and less advertised but that pressure continues to force the Jews out of the country. |
295 |
| July 28 (2125) | From the Consul at Berlin Information that the situation of the Jews in German cities is fairly satisfactory but that boycott is most active in small towns; fear that further persecution will follow as the economic situation becomes more critical. |
297 |
| Sept. 8 (1273) | From the Ambassador in Germany Report that position of the Jews in Germany is becoming more clearly denned; that consultation with professional Jews is forbidden, but that some relief is afforded to Jews in cases of commercial discrimination. |
300 |
American Interest in the Work of the High Commission for Refugees (Jewish and Other) Coming From Germany
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Feb. 6 | From the Secretary General of the High Commission
for Refugees (Jewish and Other) Coming From Germany Recommendations adopted at London meeting, January 30, of the Permanent Committee of the Governing Body of the High Commission; suggestions (text printed) of the Permanent Committee concerning question of providing passports for refugees. |
301 |
| Mar. 27 (855 Pol.) | From the Consul at Geneva Transmittal of a communication from the Secretary General of the High Commission, advising that a meeting of the Governing Body will be held in London, May 2 and 3. |
303 |
| Mar. 30 | To Mr. Raymond B. Fosdick Instructions to Mr. Fosdick as American representative on the Governing Body. |
303 |
| Apr. 4 | From the Secretary General of the High Commission
for Refugees (Jewish and Other) Coming From Germany Request for reply to communications concerning recommendations of the Governing Body of the High Commission. |
304 |
| 1934 Apr. 28 | To the Consul at Geneva Communication for the Secretary General of the High Commission (text printed), explaining U. S. position in regard to documentation and assistance in obtaining employment for refugees. |
305 |
| May 21 | From Mr. Raymond B. Fosdick Report on the meeting of the Commission in London; advice that the most effective U. S. contribution toward the refugee problem can be accomplished by the raising of relief funds. |
308 |
| June 12 (939 Pol.) | From the Consul at Geneva Two communications from the Secretary General of the High Commission, June 2 (texts printed): one transmitting supplementary recommendations concerning passports for refugees; the other concerning repatriation of non-German refugees to country of origin. |
308 |
| July 9 (87) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Instructions to cooperate with British Ambassador in negotiations with German authorities regarding financial arrangements for care of refugees. |
312 |
| July 13 | To the Consul at Geneva Two communications to the Secretary General of the High Commission, July 13 (texts printed), in reply to his communications of June 2. |
312 |
| Oct. 4 (571) | To the Ambassador in Great
Britain Information that the office of the High Commission for Refugees is to be transferred from Lausanne to London, and instructions concerning transmittal of correspondence between the Department and the High Commission. |
315 |
| Oct. 10 (385) | To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Instructions concerning U. S. representation at the next meeting of the Governing Body of the High Commission to be held in London, November 2 and 3. |
316 |
| Nov. 21 (1062) | From the Ambassador in Great Britain Report on the Third Session of the Governing Body and recommendations adopted (infra); comment concerning anxiety of countries adjacent to Germany for deliverance from the burden of the refugees within their territories. |
317 |
| Undated | Recommendations Adopted by the Governing Body of the
High Commission for Refugees (Jewish and
Other) Coming From Germany Text of recommendations. |
318 |
German Efforts To Build Up an Increased Oil Reserve Through Arrangements With the Three Leading Foreign Oil Companies Doing Business in Germany
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 July 17 | Memorandum by the Under Secretary of
State Telephone conversation with Mr. Chester O. Swain of the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey, concerning reported intention of the German Government to increase the existing storage requirement of the three major oil companies (the Shell, Anglo-Persian, and Standard Oil of New Jersey) operating in Germany and to secure their acquiescence in the nontransfer of their sales proceeds for a period of 5 years. |
320 |
| July 25 | Memorandum by the Assistant Economic
Adviser Information from Mr. Swain that Anglo-Persian and Standard Oil are opposed to the German proposal whereas Shell expressed willingness to acquiesce with certain modifications. |
320 |
| Aug. 18 (1186) | From the Ambassador in Germany Background information from legal representative of Standard Oil interests in Germany, concerning developments leading to the Shell offer to German Government, conditional upon acceptance by Anglo-Persian and Standard. |
321 |
| Aug. 21 (6) | From the Consul General at Hamburg Advice concerning reported negotiations of Reich Government with the larger oil companies. |
323 |
| Sept. 18 | To the Consul General at
Hamburg Instructions to give the Department any further information available regarding the reported oil proposal. |
325 |
| Nov. 20 (595) | From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Foreign Office memorandum (text printed) concerning a new German proposal, emanating from the German Dye Trust, and expressing hope that U. S. Government will advise Standard Oil Company to conform to the position of the two British companies in insisting on certain safeguards. |
325 |
| Nov. 21 | Memorandum by the Economic Adviser Opinion that it is advisable to inform the Standard Oil Company of the British communication, pointing out that the company is likely to be dependent upon the good will of the British Government if the question of protection arises. |
326 |
| Nov. 30 | Memorandum by the Under Secretary of
State Information from Mr. Swain concerning a dispute between the oil companies over the nature of the bank guarantees. |
327 |
| Dec. 3 | Memorandum by the Assistant Economic
Adviser Advice from Standard Oil Company that question of payments has been satisfactorily settled, and its desire to be informed if Department has any objection to its conclusion of an arrangement with Germany. |
328 |
| Dec. 4 (421) | To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Instructions to advise Foreign Office that, in view of difficulties encountered in negotiations on original bases of agreement, a new basis has been suggested by the German Dye Trust and is being studied by the oil companies. |
329 |
| 1934 Dec. 28 | Memorandum by the Assistant Economic
Adviser Information from the Counsel of the Standard Oil Company that the oil companies have entered into a contract on terms similar to the recent proposal. |
330 |
Representations Regarding German Discrimination Against American Holders of German Bonds
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1933 Dec. 23 (441) | From the British Ambassador Information concerning British representations to the German Government protesting the decision of the Reichsbank to reduce transfers in the service of German loans; hope that U. S. Government will make similar representations. |
331 |
| Dec. 29 (153) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Instructions to present to the German Government a statement identical, mutatis mutandis, with that of the British Government. |
332 |
| Dec. 29 | To the British Ambassador Advice that representations have been made to the German Government similar to British representations. |
333 |
| 1934 Jan. 10 (7) | From the British Ambassador Information that the British Ambassador in Germany has been instructed to cooperate with the American Ambassador in the matter of treatment of foreign loans by the German Government. |
333 |
| Jan. 15 (5) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Information that American bondholders will be represented at forthcoming meeting in Germany by an official of the Foreign Bondholders Protective Council; U. S. views concerning desires of Netherland and Swiss Governments for preferential treatment of their nationals. |
334 |
| Jan. 17 (34) | From the Chargé in France Information that Reichsbank President is conferring with German exporters; that Germany faces threats from Switzerland and Netherlands of imposition of clearance arrangements, and similarly from Great Britain if situation prejudicial to British creditors continues. |
335 |
| Jan. 18 | To President Roosevelt Suggestion that pressure be exerted for relief of American interests from discriminatory treatment before the meeting to be held in Berlin, January 22, between the bondholders and the German Government. |
335 |
| Jan. 19 | Memorandum by the Under Secretary of
State Presentation to German Ambassador of an aide-mémoire (infra) with regard to treatment of American holders of German bonds; explanation to the Ambassador of the President’s concern and great interest in the matter. |
338 |
| 1934 Jan. 19 | To the German Embassy Aide-mémoire protesting discriminatory treatment of American holders of German bonds. |
338 |
| Jan. 19 (6) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Instructions to interview German authorities before bondholders’ meeting January 22 and to present a note identical with aide-mémoire of January 19. |
340 |
| Jan. 22 (9) | To the Chargé in Switzerland (tel.) Instructions to convey to Swiss Government information concerning the U. S. position in regard to discriminatory trade agreements and German debt situation. |
340 |
| Jan. 23 (8) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Statement issued by the White House (text printed) with reference to an interview between President Roosevelt and the German Ambassador regarding discriminatory treatment of American creditors. |
342 |
| Jan. 23 (13) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Presentation to Foreign Office, January 20, of note in accordance with Department’s instructions of January 19; observations of Dr. Schacht, President of the Reichsbank, concerning points in U. S. note. |
342 |
| Jan. 24 (6) | From the Chargé in Switzerland (tel.) Discussion with Swiss Government official relative to Swiss clearing agreement with Germany. |
344 |
| Jan. 24 (12) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Advice, in connection with a statement by Dr. Schacht, that German authorities should be made to understand the importance of the Bondholders Protective Council as the representative of the American holders of German bonds in negotiations between the German Government and its creditors. |
344 |
| Jan. 25 (18) | From the Ambassador in Germany (lei.) Quotation of pertinent portion of Dr. Schacht’s statement; information that Embassy has emphasized importance of Bondholders Protective Council. |
345 |
| Jan. 31 (26) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Information that an arrangement has been reached with the German Government satisfactory to representatives of American creditors. |
346 |
| Feb. 1 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the German Ambassador, who reported that a satisfactory settlement has been effected between creditors and German Government. |
346 |
| Mar. 17 (33) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Request for data on German financial and economic situation and ability to pay present debt service in view of recent intimations by Dr. Schacht of possible cancellation or reduction of Germany’s external indebtedness. |
347 |
| Mar. 21 (638) | From the Chargé in Germany Comments on Dr. Schacht’s recent declarations suggestive of repudiation; doubt as to German capacity to maintain rate of service provided for by existing agreements. |
347 |
| 1934 Mar. 30 | Memorandum by the Economic
Adviser Discussion with members of Foreign Bondholders Council of problems that might arise at meeting to be held soon at Basel between creditors and representatives of the German Government. |
348 |
| Apr. 10 (139) | To the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) Insistence by Swiss representatives at Basel on special treatment as regards payments on German securities. Instructions to reiterate to Swiss authorities the U. S. position. |
350 |
| Apr. 11 (21) | To the Chargé in the Netherlands (tel.) Insistence by Netherland representative at Basel on extension of preferential treatment to Netherland bondholders. Instructions to inform Nethlerland authorities of U. S. views and desire for collaboration with the American and British creditors. |
350 |
| Apr. 11 (13) | From the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) Advice that Department’s views were again presented to Swiss official, who agreed to transmit them to the Federal Council but gave no hope that Switzerland would change its attitude. |
352 |
| Apr. 16 (27) | From the Chargé in the Netherlands (tel.) Summary of an aide-mémoire from the Foreign Minister maintaining the Netherland Government’s opinion that their agreements with Germany are not discriminatory. |
353 |
| May 5 | Press Release Issued by the Department of
State Announcement that German Government has been informed of U. S. position opposing discrimination against American bondholders and holding the German Government responsible for any preferences it may sanction. |
354 |
| May 12 (87) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Opinion of American representative at Basel that British move opposing arrangement for cash commitment by Reichsbank is an attempt to favor short-term interests over long-term debts; his suggestion for representations to German authorities. |
354 |
| May 17 (62) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Instructions to express informally to German authorities, to Dr. Schacht, and to American bondholders’ representatives the points of particular concern to the Department with regard to negotiations on German foreign debts. |
355 |
| June 15 | From the German Ambassador German Government’s statements concerning present foreign exchange and transfer situation, and the consequences resulting therefrom for transfer after July 1. |
356 |
| June 16 (112) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Report of progress of German negotiations with Swiss and Netherland Governments for special transfer agreements and indications of willingness of these two countries to reduce interest rate. |
364 |
| 1934 June 16 (74) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Instructions to make protest to Foreign Office with respect to discrimination against American bondholders involved in recent independent action of Germany in the matter of its external debts. |
364 |
| June 18 (18) | From the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) Information concerning conclusion of a Swiss-German agreement, June 16, providing for resumption of payments into the Swiss “special account” with the Reichsbank which were suspended on June 9. |
365 |
| June 19 (113) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Representations to Foreign Office with special reference to principle of nondiscrimination as between creditors. |
365 |
| June 20 (949) | From the Ambassador in Germany Publication of Reichsbank President’s explanation of the transfer situation, including the 6-month moratorium on cash transfers of the service of Germany’s long and medium term debt and suspension for the time being of the service of the Dawes and Young Loans. |
367 |
| June 21 (77) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Explanation of U. S. attitude toward reduction of interest rate on German obligations, and opinion that such matters should be discussed by Germany with the Bondholders’ Council, as the representative of American creditors. |
368 |
| June 27 | To the German Chargé Reply to German note of June 15 concerning the present transfer situation and the foreign indebtedness; U. S. expectation that no discrimination against American investors will be permitted in the payment or transfer of service on Dawes and Young loans. |
368 |
| June 27 (971) | From the Ambassador in Germany Foreign Office note, June 21 (text printed), explaining standpoint of German Government on U. S. criticisms respecting Germany’s independent debt arrangements and discriminatory transfer agreements. |
373 |
| July 5 (84) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Instructions to inquire of appropriate authorities with respect to press reports from London of a German agreement with Great Britain for continuance of full interest service on Dawes and Young loans, and as to intentions with respect to American bondholders. |
376 |
| July 6 (132) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Foreign Minister’s advice that it was his personal decision that Dawes-Young interest payments on British holdings should be continued, and that effort would be made to take similar action on these holdings in the United States. |
377 |
| July 7 (85) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Instructions to endeavor to effect a change of attitude in Germany respecting the proposed discriminatory action affecting the American holders of Dawes-Young loans. |
377 |
| 1934 July 12 (90) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Aide-mémoire (text printed), to be delivered to the Foreign Minister making representations for nondiscriminatory treatment of American bondholders; instructions to telegraph date of delivery of aide-mémoire for publication of text in United States. (Footnote: Delivery of aide-mémoire July 16.) |
378 |
| July 13 (141) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Substance of a note from Foreign Office, friendly in tone, explaining German attitude on the transfer question; inquiry as to whether Department wishes to modify aide-mémoire contained in telegram No. 90 of July 12 in view of German statements. |
379 |
| July 14 (92) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Instructions to present aide-mémoire without delay, in view of the fact that the German Government has not altered its basic position in any essential. |
380 |
| Aug. 1 (W. 6338) | From the German Foreign Office to the American
Embassy in Germany Reply to U. S. aide-mémoire of July 16, explaining the problems of German foreign indebtedness and suggesting discussions between the two Governments to facilitate an agreement on the transfer question. |
380 |
| Oct. 9 (120) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Instructions to present to German authorities an aide-mémoire expressing U. S. expectation that the German Government, having made provision for full payment to all other bondholders of the interest payment on the 1924 Dawes loan, will not fail to honor its obligation to American bondholders. |
385 |
| Oct. 11 (196) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Presentation of aide-mémoire) receipt of information that Germany is arranging a special note issue of register marks in order to pay full interest due bondholders. |
386 |
| Oct. 26 | Memorandum by Mr. Rudolf E. Schoenfeld of the
Division of Western European Affairs Résumé of discriminations practiced by the German Government against American interests during the past 15 months. |
387 |
| Nov. 21 (131) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Note for Foreign Office (text printed) listing particulars and protesting against discriminations practiced against American bondholders; instructions to advise Department of date of presentation of note, which will be released for publication 2 days later. (Footnote: Note released November 25.) |
396 |
| Nov. 28 (223) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Information that no reply has been received to note contained in Department’s telegram No. 131 of November 21, but that official news agency gave summary of note and observed that real point at issue is question of providing Germany with sufficient foreign exchange by increasing its exports. |
399 |
Unsatisfactory Trade Relations Between the United States and Germany; Notice by Germany of Intention To Modify Article VII of the Commercial Treaty of December 8, 1923
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1933 Nov. 18 | From the German Embassy Explanation of new German scrip procedure, and inquiry as to whether shipments of German goods into the United States will be affected by provisions of the 1930 Tariff Act or of the 1921 Antidumping Act. |
400 |
| 1934 Feb. 8 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Inquiry from German Ambassador as to whether scrip policy would create a condition which the U. S. Treasury might regard in the nature of dumping; reply that the entire matter would be reviewed by the Department. |
405 |
| Feb. 12 | To the German Embassy Advice that question of application of pertinent U. S. legislation with respect to German scrip procedure has been brought to the attention of the interested agencies of the U. S. Government. |
405 |
| Feb. 18 (23) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Instructions to present views on all phases of German commercial policy in connection with German request for most-favored-nation treatment with regard to wines and spirits quota. |
406 |
| Feb. 20 (40) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Suggestion that no definite proposals be made in reply to Germany’s request regarding wines and spirits quota, until receipt of Embassy’s survey, now under preparation. |
407 |
| Feb. 27 | Memorandum by the Economic
Adviser Conversation with the Secretary of the German Embassy on question of treatment accorded German wines under U. S. quota system; advice to him that the United States could indicate its policy only after joint discussion of the subject between the two governments. |
408 |
| Feb. 28 (571) | From the Ambassador in Germany Submission of detailed memorandums reviewing the difficulties facing American trade in Germany. |
409 |
| Feb. 28 (45) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Foreign Office inquiry as to whether March 16 would be a convenient date for a visit to the United States of a trade mission to investigate possibility of improvement of the foreign trade situation. |
415 |
| Mar. 1 (26) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Desire for further information as to official status of proposed trade mission. (Footnote: Information that no further report was received on activities of the trade mission.) |
415 |
| Mar. 2 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Discussion with the German Ambassador, who indicated his Government’s desire to enter into broad trade discussions with the United States, and inquired as to possibility of certain modifications of the U. S.-German commercial treaty without the necessity of a one-year notice. |
416 |
| 1934 Mar. 6 (136) | To the Ambassador in Germany Explanation of decision to double the 2–month German wine quota. |
417 |
| Mar. 13 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the German Ambassador, who inquired as to when negotiations for reciprocity treaty between Germany and the United States could begin, and was advised that all such negotiations must await passage of Congressional authorization. |
418 |
| Mar. 28 (38) | To the Charge in Germany (tel.) Information that an aide-mémoire (text printed) was presented to the American Ambassador to Germany on his arrival in New York by the German Consul General, containing a greeting from Chancellor Hitler to President Roosevelt; acknowledgment (text printed) from the President, for transmission to Hitler. |
419 |
| Apr. 11 (215) | From the American Embassy in Germany to the German
Ministry for Foreign Affairs Request for information on the principle determining the decision of the German Government as to the basis of application of most-favored-nation clause. |
419 |
| Apr. 12 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the German Ambassador, who expressed urgency of beginning U. S.-German trade negotiations. |
420 |
| Apr. 26 | Memorandum of Conversation by the Assistant Economic
Adviser Discussion with Mr. George N. Peek, Special Adviser to the President on Foreign Trade, of U. S.-German commercial relations, particularly with regard to German interest in obtaining certain raw materials from the United States. |
421 |
| May 9 (W2770) | From the German Ministry for Foreign Affairs to the
American Embassy in Germany Reply to U. S. inquiry of April 11 concerning basis of application of most-favored-nation treatment. |
423 |
| May 18 (91) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) For the Department of Agriculture from Steere, Agricultural Attaché: Evidence of discrimination against American lard in German preliminary import quotas for May, June, and July. |
424 |
| May 22 (94) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Admission by the Foreign Office that American lard quota is lower than originally promised and that Denmark, by reason of a recent trade agreement with Germany, receives a higher lard quota. |
424 |
| May 28 (68) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Instructions to discuss with the Foreign Office and to supplement with an aide-mémoire, the unequal treatment of American lard exports. |
425 |
| 1934 June 5 (104) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Presentation of aide-mémoire to Foreign Minister, June 1, with emphasis on the bad impression created in United States by the violation of treaties, which would render trade negotiations additionally difficult. |
425 |
| June 5 (105) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) For the Department of Agriculture: Information that assignment of June quota on American lard is only 17 percent of basic average and that German Government recently purchased a large amount of Hungarian lard. |
426 |
| June 6 | Memorandum by the Secretary of State German Ambassador’s request, in view of the passage, June 5, of the bill granting authority to negotiate reciprocity trade agreements and in view of the serious economic crisis in Germany, that trade negotiations should commence immediately. |
426 |
| June 19 (75) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Instructions to cable all material on hand and to prepare a comprehensive report on German exchange decrees and exchange policy in relation to American trade. |
428 |
| June 21 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Interview with the Counselor of the German Embassy, who again requested early trade agreement negotiations and was advised that U. S. program for these negotiations was not yet organized. |
429 |
| June 22 (115) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Résumé of German exchange policy and barter arrangements and effect on American trade. |
430 |
| June 25 (120) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) German prohibition for July of all lard imports except from countries having special arrangements; indication of early establishment of central foreign trade control. |
432 |
| July 6 (129) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Summary of Foreign Office note disclaiming unilateral injury to American lard interests and regretting inability, in view of U. S. failure to accede to German request for trade negotiations, to arrange for U. S. participation in German lard imports. |
433 |
| Aug. 2 | Memorandum by the Assistant Economic
Adviser Conversation with First Secretary of the German Embassy, who was concerned over press reports of the elimination by the United States of certain countries, including Germany, from consideration in negotiations for trade agreements, and who was informed that such statements possessed no official basis. |
434 |
| Aug. 13 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the German Ambassador, who pressed anew for a trade agreement with the United States, and was advised of U. S. policy of liberalization of international trade and plans for gradual development of reciprocal trade agreements program. |
435 |
| 1934 Aug. 17 (2146) | From the Consul at Berlin Account of assistance rendered by the Consulate General to the United States Lines and other American shipping interests in cases of utilization of German currency situation by German authorities to discriminate against American shipping. |
437 |
| Aug. 24 | To the Consul at Berlin Letter from the United States Shipping Board Bureau of the Department of Commerce, August 16 (text printed), concerning suspected action of German authorities in diverting passenger trade to German vessels through discounting German marks. Instructions to report on situation and to render assistance to representatives of American shipping interests. |
440 |
| Sept. 6 | From the Special Adviser to the President on Foreign
Trade Resumption of negotiations concerning exchange of certain U. S. products for certain German products. |
441 |
| Sept. 8 (2171) | From the Consul at Berlin Information that request of Department in its instruction of August 24 was covered by despatch of August 17; two letters from United States Lines (texts printed), indicating satisfactory results obtained from Consul’s negotiations with German authorities to prevent discrimination against American shipping. |
441 |
| Sept. 11 | Memorandum by the Under Secretary of
State Information from the German Chargé that his Government is now ready to accept a barter proposal involving American lard and German beer. |
442 |
| Sept. 20 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Renewal of German Ambassador’s request for negotiation of a reciprocity trade agreement; explanation of U. S. position and promise to advise Ambassador when negotiations may begin. |
443 |
| Sept. 22 | From the German Embassy Request for appropriate action by the Department regarding exclusion of German merchandise or products from an exposition to be held in New York, October 22 to 27, under the auspices of American Jewish Congress. (Footnote: Advice to German Embassy that the matter was referred to the appropriate authorities. Information that no further reply has been found in Department files.) |
444 |
| Sept. 27 | Memorandum by Mr. Rudolf E. Schoenfeld of the
Division of Western European Affairs Observation that October 14 is earliest date on which notice of termination of U. S.-German commercial treaty of 1923 can be given; opinion that treaty should not be abrogated in spite of controversy with Germany over application of most-favored-nation clause. |
445 |
| Oct. 2 (191) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Desire of German officials to conclude private barter agreement for American lumber, and inquiry as to possibility of obtaining lowering of American tariff schedules on certain items. |
446 |
| 1934 Oct. 3 (1335) | From the Ambassador in Germany Failure, in discussion with Foreign Office official, to obtain any definite statement as to future German policy in connection with clearing agreements; intimation by Foreign Office official that Germany might denounce U. S.-German commercial treaty prior to October 14. |
446 |
| Oct. 3 (118) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Information in reply to Ambassador’s telegram No. 191, October 2, that the Trade Agreements Act of 1934 empowers the President to modify existing tariffs only in connection with reciprocal trade agreements and that no trade agreement with Germany is under immediate consideration. |
447 |
| Oct. 10 (121) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Instructions to take up with the appropriate authorities the question of the new German decrees requiring authorization of the Currency Control Board for special currency permits to cover shipping charges for shipments on foreign vessels, with a view to obtaining for American shipping interests parity of treatment with German lines. |
447 |
| Oct. 12 | Memorandum by a Special State Department Committee
on Proposed American Policy With Respect to
Germany Submission of four possible procedures which appear open to the United States with respect to the current German situation: the making of a trade agreement; inauguration of a trade war; denunciation of existing commercial treaty; or continuance of status quo. (Footnote: Notation indicating Secretary’s endorsement of fourth point.) |
448 |
| Oct. 13 | From the German Embassy Information that the German Government intends to effect changes in the U. S.-German commercial treaty; that Germany is ready to engage in negotiations concerning commercial relations with the United States. |
453 |
| Oct. 13 | Memorandum by the Under Secretary of
State Submission by German Ambassador of notification of his Government’s desire to terminate the commercial treaty with the United States in one year’s time; his expression of hope that a new commercial treaty could be effected before the year’s expiration. |
454 |
| Oct. 19 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Discussion with Counselor of the German Embassy of questions of trade and finance at variance between United States and Germany. |
454 |
| Nov. 15 (130) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Instructions to investigate and report on new restrictions on American automotive imports, indicating whether discrimination is involved and, if so, to take steps to reserve U. S. position. |
455 |
| Nov. 17 | From the Attorney General Conclusion that there is no basis for action by the Department of Justice with regard to prohibition of German merchandise at the American Jewish Congress exhibition. |
455 |
| 1934 Nov. 20 (78) | From the Consul General at
Berlin Amendments to German shipping regulations authorizing American shipping companies to establish special deposits with certain German banks to take the place of the exchange permits to cover shipping charges. Information concerning an understanding of the United States Lines with German authorities by which the company will open two special accounts. |
456 |
| Nov. 24 (1499) | From the Ambassador in Germany Opinion, in connection with efforts of American automotive companies to arrange barter transactions, that refusal of German officials to approve these transactions does not appear to warrant charges of discrimination. |
458 |
| Dec. 3 (101) | From the Consul General at
Berlin Information that other American steamship companies are not included in the special agreement of the United States Lines with the German authorities and will open only one special account each, instead of two. |
461 |
| Dec. 11 (II 57757/34) | From the German Minister for Economic Affairs to the
American Ambassador in Germany Memorandum (text printed) reviewing German-American trade situation. Proposal for an informative tour of Germany by several prominent American business men. |
461 |
| Dec. 27 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the German Ambassador concerning the general question of improving trade between nations; inquiry as to purchasing power of the blocked German marks. |
468 |
Amounts Due the United States for Claims and Army of Occupation Costs in Accordance With the Agreements of June 23, 1930, and May 26, 1932
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Mar. 24 (35) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Aide-mémoire (text printed) for Foreign Office relative to request of the German Ambassador for postponement of German debt payment due March 31. |
469 |
| Mar. 28 | From the President of the German Reichsbank to the
American Chargé in Germany Comment that Germany is not repudiating its debts but, due to altered economic conditions, desires to discuss current debt problems with its creditors. |
471 |
| Mar. 29 | From the German Foreign Office to the American
Embassy in Germany Acknowledgment of U. S. aide-mémoire, and indication that Germany does not want to free itself from the fulfillment of these obligations, but has encountered difficulties in payment in the transfer of foreign exchange. |
473 |
| Mar. 30 | Memorandum by the Assistant Economic
Adviser Conversation with the Second Secretary of the German Embassy, who submitted a communiqué (text printed) regarding Germany’s intention to make a payment March 31 to the United States, which the German Government proposes to issue in Berlin and hopes that the United States will issue at the same time. |
475 |
| 1934 Mar. 30 | Memorandum by the Assistant Economic
Adviser Draft statement (excerpt printed) to be issued March 31 by the Department of State, involving a simple recital of facts to which is appended without comment the German communiqué. |
476 |
| Apr. 14 (49) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Information that the Schroder Banking Corporation has brought up the question of the possible transfer into dollars of the Reichsmarks which the German Government deposited September 30, 1933, with the Conversion Office for German foreign debts in Berlin; instructions to discuss situation with the Berlin office of the Schroder Banking Corporation with a view to their working out an acceptable plan. |
478 |
| June 27 (122) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Reichsbank’s refusal of Schroder proposal for transfer at contractual rate; desire of Schroder official to know Treasury’s reaction to proposal accepting transfer at lower than contractual rate, such exception in no way to prejudice U. S. rights in regard to future payments by Germany. |
480 |
| June 28 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Request by the German Chargé for postponement of amount due U. S. Government September 30, 1934, on account of Army of Occupation indebtedness. |
481 |
| Aug. 4 (165) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Submission to Reichsbank of new plan for transfer solution by Schroder Banking Corporation and National City Bank; suggestion that if Department would indicate its approval, the competent German authorities would probably concur in the plan. |
481 |
| Aug. 9 (102) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) U. S. nonobjection to a transfer proposal whereby the United States will receive the amount in dollars due on September 30, 1933, plus the accrued interest, without prejudice to certain other rights of the United States. |
482 |
| Aug. 15 (1166) | From the Ambassador in Germany Information that, simultaneously with a conversation at the Foreign Office regarding a transfer of amount of debt due, the Schroder firm was informed by the Finance Minister that an export transaction producing so little foreign exchange was not acceptable. |
483 |
| Sept. 5 (179) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Information from Schroder Banking Corporation that Finance Minister refused to approve proposed transfer transaction, inasmuch as it would create an embarrassing precedent for similar claims. (Note: Department’s presentation each succeeding year through 1941 of semiannual statements of amounts due.) |
484 |
Efforts by the Department of State To Conclude the Settlement of Claims Under the Mixed Claims Commission, United States and Germany
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 20 | To the German Ambassador Inquiry as to German Government’s willingness to authorize the German Agent to join with the American Agent in submitting the remaining unsettled claims for approval of the Mixed Claims Commission. |
485 |
| Feb. 4 | From the German Ambassador German Government’s unwillingness to comply with U. S. proposal of January 20, but advice that settlement of these claims could be approved now if the United States would consent to the abolition of the Mixed Claims Commission. |
485 |
| Feb. 20 | Memorandum by the Under Secretary of
State Interview with the German Ambassador, who was handed two notes (infra) concerning claims questions, and advised of U. S. Government’s concern that awards be made in pending cases without waiting for final disposition of the sabotage cases. |
486 |
| Feb. 20 | To the German Ambassador Request that German Government reconsider its position in regard to submission to the Mixed Commission of compromise settlements of pending cases in order to hasten termination of the work of the Commission. |
487 |
| Feb. 20 | To the German Ambassador Desire for understanding on certain points in regard to the filing of evidence and briefs in the sabotage cases. |
487 |
| Mar. 26 (St. D. A. 1) | From the German Ambassador Assurance that German Government desires to end proceedings before the Mixed Claims Commission as soon as possible, and request that the American Agent substantiate his claims with respect to the sabotage cases in a written statement. |
488 |
| Mar. 28 | To the German Ambassador Opinion that matter of submission by the American Agent of a written statement in regard to sabotage claims is within the jurisdiction of the Claims Commission, and suggestion for cooperation between the two Agents with a view to requesting the Commission for a ruling on the question. |
489 |
| Apr. 13 (48) | To the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Instructions to consult the Foreign Office on questions pertaining to the settlement of sabotage cases and pending claims before the Mixed Claims Commission and to urge a definite answer. |
490 |
| Apr. 17 (68) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Information that Foreign Office desires that claims negotiations continue to be handled through the German Embassy in Washington, which has been given general instructions. |
491 |
| Apr. 20 | Memorandum by the Under Secretary of
State Conversation with Counselor of the German Embassy regarding information from the German Agent that his Government had agreed to settlement of all claims approved by the Mixed Claims Commission except the Drier claim, and U. S. desire for reconsideration of this exception. |
491 |
| 1934 May 7 | To the German Ambassador Hope that the German Government will agree, on further consideration, to accept the settlement previously reached in the Drier case. |
492 |
| May 7 | To the German Embassy Request for an early statement by the German Government of its position with respect to payments due the United States under the Debt Settlement Agreement of 1930, with respect to the awards of the Mixed Claims Commission. |
493 |
| May 28 | From the German Ambassador Acknowledgment of German obligation to pay amounts fixed by the Mixed Claims Commission and determination to meet these obligations up to the limit of Germany’s capacity to pay; observation, however, that owing to the disorganization of the German balance of trade, there is no certainty that Germany can carry out a concrete program of payment at the present time. |
496 |
| Sept. 28 | From the German Ambassador German Government’s regret that it cannot meet the payment on the war damages obligations due September 30, but reiteration of its respect for its obligations and readiness to enter into negotiations with the United States for a settlement of the entire question. |
497 |
Arrangement Between the United States and Germany Granting Relief From Double Income Tax on Shipping Profits
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Feb. 6 (507) | From the Ambassador in Germany Information concerning failure of efforts to secure for United States Lines Operations, Inc., exemption from trade tax imposed by the municipality of Berlin; request for instructions before taking matter up further with the Foreign Office. |
498 |
| May 29 (211) | To the Ambassador in Germany Instructions to contact Foreign Office with a view to effecting an arrangement by an exchange of notes that would protect American shipping companies from the German trade tax. |
500 |
| Aug. 17 (1180) | From the Ambassador in Germany Discussion of the trade tax matter with Foreign Office tax expert, and submission of a memorandum dated August 14 (text printed). |
500 |
| (Note: Receipt of note verbale, dated January 31, 1935, from the German Government advising that German authorities have been instructed to desist from collecting trade tax from United States Lines; information concerning U. S. reciprocal action, in instruction No. 374, March 19, 1935, to the Ambassador in Germany.) | 502 |
Representations by the German Government Regarding Special Tax on the Use of Certain Foreign-Built Boats in the United States
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1933 Oct. 19 (St lb) | From the German Embassy Request for a decision regarding the tax on vessels built abroad provided for in the 1932 Revenue Act, which would appear to violate the German-American Commercial Treaty of 1923. |
502 |
| 1934 Mar. 12 | From the German Embassy Inquiry as to whether present Congressional deliberations on the Revenue Act of 1934 might furnish an occasion for settling the question of import tax on boats built abroad. |
503 |
| Mar. 20 | Memorandum by the Legal
Adviser Observations on German charges of violation of German-American commercial treaty by tax on foreign-built boats imposed in 1932 Revenue Act. Question as to advisability of taking up matter with Senate Finance Committee. |
503 |
| Mar. 22 | To the Chairman of the Senate Finance
Committee Recommendation for modification of section 761 of the Revenue Act of 1932 so as to remove the discrimination against foreign-built as compared with American-built boats. |
505 |
| June 8 | To the German Ambassador Advice that imposition of a tax on foreign-built boats has now been rescinded by pertinent provisions of the 1934 Revenue Act. |
507 |
Representations by the German Government Regarding a Mock Trial of Chancellor Hitler Held at New York and Other Anti-Nazi Activities
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 9 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of
Western European Affairs to the Chief of the
Division Information concerning representations by the Counselor of the German Embassy against the use of the “Blue Eagle” emblem in an anti-Nazi circular, and promise to take up the matter with the National Recovery Administration. |
507 |
| Jan. 12 | To the Administrator of the National Recovery
Administration Submission of a circular of the American League for the Defense of Jewish Rights bearing the NRA emblem and advocating a boycott of German goods. Request for advice as to action that may be taken regarding the matter. |
508 |
| Jan. 23 | From the Administrator of the National Recovery
Administration Reply to request regarding the circular of the League for the Defense of Jewish Rights that there are no suggestions to offer. |
508 |
| Feb. 1 | Memorandum by the Secretary of State German Ambassador’s complaint about public utterances by the Mayor of New York and another official urging a boycott of German goods. Secretary’s promise to look into the matter. |
508 |
| 1934 Feb. 19 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Presentation by the German Ambassador of newspaper clippings concerning a mock trial of Chancellor Hitler to be held in New York City, March 7. |
509 |
| Mar. 1 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of
Western European Affairs Presentation by the Counselor of the German Embassy of further press clippings regarding the proposed mock trial, and request for prevention of the trial; reply that no action in the matter could properly be taken by the Federal Government. |
510 |
| Mar. 2 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Anxiety of the German Ambassador for prevention of the mock trial; reply that no legal authority existed in the U. S. Government to restrain such a proceeding. |
510 |
| Mar. 6 (48) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Foreign Office informal protest against anti-German propaganda in United States, particularly the mock trial. Suggestion that a press interview by the Secretary of State deprecating these irresponsible expressions of opinion might alleviate the situation. |
511 |
| Mar. 6 (29) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Advice that the German Ambassador has been informed that the Federal Government has no authority to take action in regard to the proposed mock trial. Disinclination of the Department to intercede in or to take official cognizance of the matter. |
511 |
| Mar. 7 | Memorandum by the Under Secretary of
State German Ambassador’s request, since no action could be taken to prevent the mock trial, for a statement indicating that nothing said at the meeting represented the views of the U. S. Government. Agreement to consider the possibility of issuing some such statement. |
512 |
| Mar. 8 (600) | From the Ambassador in Germany Transmittal of informal protest (text printed) referred to in telegram No. 48, March 6; opinion that while no reply is necessary, it might furnish opportunity for observations in regard to German propaganda in United States. |
512 |
| Mar. 8 (31) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Under Secretary’s comments at press conference as to the mock trial in New York, that the gathering was of a private nature and that no Administration member was present. |
515 |
| Mar. 13 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Further representations by the German Ambassador against the mock trial, and reiteration of Department’s position. |
516 |
| Mar. 23 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Summary by the German Ambassador of reported activities of persons and groups in the United States directed against the the Hitler Government, and request for suppression of these activities. Advice to Ambassador that if the German Government could bring about a cessation of reports of personal assaults of the kind coming from Germany the situation would be improved. |
516 |
| 1934 Mar. 30 (159) | To the Chargé in Germany Aide-mémoire for the Foreign Office (text printed) in answer to the German memorandum of March 5, making the position of the U. S. Government a matter of record. |
520 |
| Apr. 23 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs German Ambassador’s request for Department’s intervention to prevent the showing of a film entitled “Hitler’s Reign of Terror”, to be shown in Chicago, April 23; opinion of the Department that the matter is outside the Federal Government’s jurisdiction. |
521 |
| Apr. 23 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Telephone conversation with the Mayor of Chicago regarding the showing of the film “Hitler’s Reign of Terror” and complaint to the Mayor by the German Consul General; reply that the Department is without jurisdiction, that responsibility rests with local authorities. |
523 |
| Apr. 26 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Renewal of protest by the German Embassy against the showing of the film “Hitler’s Reign of Terror”; reiteration of the Department’s attitude. |
523 |
| May 10 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Further discussion with the German Ambassador regarding possibility of suppression of films considered insulting to German pride. |
524 |
| June 25 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Protest by the Counselor of the German Embassy against a proposed inquiry into the Nazi reign of terror in Germany being organized by the American Committee against Fascist Suppression in Germany. Department’s position that no legal basis for action exists. |
525 |
Attitude of the United States Toward Certain Cases of Nazi Propaganda in the United States
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 3 (1820) | From the Consul at Berlin Information concerning individuals active in conducting Nazi propaganda in the United States; suggestion that issuance of visas be restricted in the case of individuals whose object is to conduct propaganda inimical to the American form of government. |
526 |
| Jan. 25 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the German Ambassador, who mentioned a recent search of the steamer Bremen on arrival in New York City and his hope that similar action could be avoided in the future. |
529 |
| 1934 Jan. 27 | Memorandum by the Secretary of State German Ambassador’s complaint concerning confiscation by U. S. customs officers of certain literature taken from an officer of the Hamburg-American Line; Secretary’s expression of regret at incident, but advice that strong opposition existed in the United States against dissemination of literature which could occasion racial controversies, and that German Government could cooperate by instructing its nationals not to take ashore in the United States any such literature. |
529 |
| Feb. 6 | To the Ambassador in Germany Instructions to discuss with the Chancellor the topic of foreign propaganda in the United States. |
530 |
| Feb. 14 | To the Consul General at
Berlin Information, in regard to Consul’s suggestion in despatch No. 1820 of January 3, that refusal of a visa must be based on legal grounds. |
531 |
| Feb. 20 | From the German Ambassador Information that National Socialist Party members in the United States have been forbidden to belong to the “Association of the Friends of New Germany”, or to make propaganda among non-Germans. |
532 |
| Apr. 5 | To the German Ambassador Advice with regard to complaint of seizure by U. S. customs officials of certain literature belonging to an officer of a Hamburg-American Line steamship, that this material was seized as unmanifested merchandise under provisions of the 1930 Tariff Act. |
532 |
GREECE
Insistence by the United States Upon Greek Responsibility for the Service of American Loans to Greece Under the Agreements of May 10, 1929, and May 24, 1932
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 19 (444) | From the Chargé in Great
Britain Understanding that the American bondholders have not as yet received a payment from the Greek Government on loans of 1928. |
533 |
| Feb. 12 | From the Minister in Greece to President
Roosevelt Observations on the ability of the Greek Government to increase payments on debt to the United States. |
533 |
| Mar. 6 (85) | To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Inquiry concerning delay in payment on Greek debt, and as to whether British Government contemplates any action to expedite payment. |
537 |
| Mar. 7 (102) | From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Information based on press reports concerning Greek arrangements to transfer exchange necessary for payment of 27½ percent of interest due on foreign loans; oral advice from Foreign Office that no British action is contemplated, pending official Greek confirmation of these reports. |
537 |
| 1934 Mar. 7 (16) | To the Minister in Greece (tel.) Inquiry concerning Greek transfer arrangements for payment of interest on foreign loans and as to whether provision for equal treatment of service on U. S. 1929 loan has been included. |
537 |
| Mar. 9 (26) | From the Minister in Greece (tel.) Information from the Foreign Office that the Greek Government has not yet issued instructions for the proposed transfer, but has requested permission of the International Financial Commission to do so, and that the 1929 U. S. loan will receive equal treatment under the same reservations as last year. |
538 |
| Mar. 24 (130) | From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Information from Foreign Office with respect to receipt of notification from International Financial Commission of contemplated Greek action and proposed official reply. |
538 |
| Mar. 29 (995) | From the Greek Minister to the Secretary of the
Treasury Notification of postponement, in accordance with optional clause of 1929 Agreement, of payment due on Bond No. 13 maturing July 1, 1934. |
538 |
| Apr. 11 | To the Greek Minister Acknowledgment of Greek note No. 995 of March 29 and observation that in accordance with terms of Agreement, postponement is for a period of 6 months from July 1, 1934. |
539 |
| Apr. 24 | To the Greek Minister Statement of the amount due May 10, 1934, from the Greek Government and request for payment. |
539 |
| June 30 | To the Greek Minister Statement of amounts due and payable from the Greek Government January 1 and July 1, 1933, January 1 and July 1, 1934. |
540 |
| July 13 (104) | To the Minister in Greece Request for comment on payment made July 6 by the Greek Government, with particular reference to position of the International Financial Commission. |
541 |
| July 30 (325) | From the Minister in Greece Report regarding the July 6 payment by the Greek Government that the International Financial Commission released the necessary funds with the consent of the French member. |
542 |
| Aug. 31 (122) | To the Minister in Greece Request for text of the act which amends the International Financial Commission’s procedure from majority to unanimous decision. |
543 |
| Oct. 27 | To the Greek Minister Acknowledgment of receipt July 6, 1934, of partial interest payment due on the 1929 loan. |
543 |
| Nov. 8 | To the Greek Minister Submission of statement from the Treasury Department on the amounts due and payable from the Greek Government on November 10, 1932, May 10 and November 10, 1933, May 10 and November 10, 1934. |
544 |
| 1934 Nov. 12 (452) | From the Minister in Greece Interpretations and explanations of the text of Greek law governing decisions of the International Financial Commission. |
545 |
| Dec. 7 | To the Greek Minister Acknowledgment of receipt by the Treasury Department on November 10 of partial payment from Greek Government of interest due on 1929 loan. |
546 |
| Dec. 21 | To the Greek Minister Statement of amounts due and payable from the Greek Government and request for payment not later than January 2, 1935. |
547 |
| Dec. 31 (2738) | From the Greek Minister Reaffirmation of Greek Government’s inability to resume service on its debts to United States. |
549 |
Representations Regarding Discriminations Against American Trade in the Barter Policy of the Greek Government
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Apr. 4 (209) | From the Minister in Greece Foreign Minister’s assurance that the Neptune Water Meter Company would receive a substantial share of the award for supplying water meters to Athens, and his request to be informed of any other instances of discrimination disadvantageous to Greece; his desire that barter agreements between Greece and certain other countries should not prevent Greece from buying in advantageous markets. |
550 |
| May 1 (82) | To the Minister in Greece Gratification at information reported in Minister’s despatch No. 209 of April 4. |
550 |
| May 26 (260) | From the Minister in Greece Letter to the Foreign Minister, May 21 (text printed), on the effects of the present barter policy of the Greek Government on American trade. |
551 |
| June 9 (270) | From the Minister in Greece Information from local representative of United States Steel Products Co. of the effect on his company’s business of the Greek Government’s plans to apply barter restrictions to certain iron products; opinion that a general understanding should be reached with the Greek Government as to the position of American trade in Greece under the barter policy. |
553 |
| June 26 (289) | From the Minister in Greece Inspired editorial of June 15 (text printed) on the commercial policy of Greece. Suggestion, in view of seriousness of situation, for an inquiry as to whether Greek Government intends to observe the terms of the U. S.-Greek modus vivendi of 1924. |
553 |
| 1934 July 3 (295) | From the Minister in Greece Information concerning new Greek mandatory ruling limiting Government purchases of imported products to those countries with which Greece has clearing agreements, but with a special exception for countries with which Greece enjoys a favorable balance of trade, notably the United States. Reiteration of suggestion for seeking Greek definition of policy toward U. S. trade. |
557 |
| July 27 | To the Minister in Greece Expectation that trade problems with Greece will be settled by negotiation of a reciprocal trade agreement in the near future and request for suggestions concerning commodities and other details. Instructions to continue efforts to meet individual problems as they arise. |
558 |
| Aug. 3 | To the Minister in Greece Suggestion that appropriate Greek officials should be acquainted with the underlying principles of U. S. commercial policy, especially as concerns the operation of the Tariff Reciprocity Act. |
559 |
| Aug. 13 | From the Minister in Greece Acknowledgment of Department’s letter of July 27 and intention to comply with instructions contained therein. |
560 |
| Aug. 21 | From the Minister in Greece Intention to comply with Department’s suggestion of August 3. |
561 |
| Oct. 4 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the Greek Minister on the possibilities of a trade agreement between the United States and Greece. |
561 |
| Oct. 16 (412) | From the Minister in Greece Aide-mémoire, October 11 (text printed), handed to the Foreign Minister, pointing out difficulties encountered by American trade under present Greek system and possible effect on the extension to Greece of benefits to be derived under the new U. S. Tariff Reciprocity Act. |
563 |
Samuel Insull’s Expulsion From Greece and His Subsequent Detention and Extradition by the Turkish Government
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 24 (134) | From the Minister in Greece Failure of an appeal by Insull’s lawyers to the Council of State against an order requiring Insull to leave the country. |
566 |
| Jan. 31 (10) | From the Minister in Greece (tel.) Request for a revalidation of Insull’s passport to effect his expulsion by the Greek Government. |
566 |
| Feb. 3 (9) | To the Minister in Greece (tel.) Inquiry as to whether Insull’s expulsion will occur before February 11, when his passport expires. |
567 |
| Feb. 5 (13) | From the Minister in Greece (tel.) Possibility that delays arising from Insull’s claims of illness may detain him in Greece beyond the expiration date of his passport. |
567 |
| 1934 Feb. 9 (14) | From the Minister in Greece (tel.) Information that the latest medical report on Insull states that he can travel but that strong emotion may be fatal. Request for instructions in case the Greek Government asks for an extension or issuance of a new passport after February 11. |
567 |
| Feb. 10 (11) | To the Minister in Greece (tel.) Request for further information with regard to attitude and plans of the Greek Government as to Insull’s expulsion. |
568 |
| Feb. 16 (18) | From the Minister in Greece (tel.) Foreign Minister’s assurance that the Greek Government desires and intends to expel Insull. |
568 |
| Mar. 3 (13) | To the Minister in Greece (tel.) Request for confirmation of press reports that the Foreign Minister has ordered Insull to leave Greece, and instructions to inquire of Foreign Minister the definite date for Insull’s expulsion from Greece. |
568 |
| Mar. 5 (23) | From the Minister in Greece (tel.) Information that the Minister of Interior has sent a police officer to Insull with an order to leave Greece on March 6. |
569 |
| Mar. 6 (24) | From the Minister in Greece (tel.) Report of Insull’s attack of illness on being notified to leave Greece; Legation’s attitude toward request of Ministry of Interior for designation of a doctor to assist in a medical examination. |
569 |
| Mar. 7 (15) | To the Minister in Greece (tel.) Information from Legation at Bucharest that Rumanian Government has granted a visa to Insull, who is expected in Rumania within 48 hours; issuance of instructions to Ministers in Rumania, Hungary, and Yugoslavia to request provisional arrest and detention of Insull if he enters those territories. |
569 |
| Mar. 8 (25) | From the Minister in Greece (tel.) Advice that Insull’s application for a transit visa through Hungary was refused since the country of destination was not named. |
570 |
| Mar. 10 (17) | To the Minister in Greece (tel.) Representations to the Greek Minister with regard to procrastination in the Insull case; data concerning countries not requiring visas or travel documents. |
570 |
| Mar. 12 (28) | From the Minister in Greece (tel.) Information from the Foreign Minister that Insull has been ordered to leave Greece by March 15; Foreign Office request for passport or travel document which may be visaed for several countries. |
571 |
| Mar. 12 (18) | To the Minister in Greece (tel.) Authorization for issuance by the Consulate General of a certificate of identity and citizenship registration to Insull without application. |
572 |
| 1934 Mar. 14 (30) | From the Minister in Greece (tel.) Information concerning Greek Government’s arrangements for Insull’s expulsion by force, and Foreign Minister’s attempt to place responsibility for consequences upon American Minister. |
573 |
| Mar. 15 (31) | From the Minister in Greece (tel.) Information that Rumanian Legation has granted a transit visa without stopover to Insull, who is expected to arrive at Constanza March 16; understanding that his destination is Poland. |
573 |
| Mar. 15 (32) | From the Minister in Greece (tel.) Insull’s disappearance; Foreign Minister’s assumption that he must be in hiding in Athens. |
574 |
| Mar. 16 (33) | From the Minister in Greece (tel.) Foreign Minister’s advice that Insull left Greece March 14 for Port Said in a Greek freighter, the Maiotis. |
574 |
| Mar. 16 (34) | From the Minister in Greece (tel.) Information that Greek Government has ordered the Maiotis to return to Piraeus at once, as Insull has no papers to enter Egypt. |
574 |
| Mar. 18 (35) | From the Minister in Greece (tel.) Arrival of the Maiotis and Insull’s decision to depart immediately on the same boat; Greek Government’s intention to exact an oath from the master not to land Insull on Greek soil. |
574 |
| Mar. 18 (8) | To the Minister in Egypt (tel.) Instructions to request Egyptian authorities to detain Insull and to place him under surveillance should he land at an Egyptian port. |
575 |
| Mar. 18 (5) | From the Minister in Egypt (tel.) Information that the Egyptian Government will not permit Insull to land in Egypt. |
576 |
| Mar. 18 (9) | To the Minister in Egypt (tel.) Information that the Department does not wish the Egyptian authorities to believe that they would accommodate the U. S. Government by preventing Insull’s landing. |
576 |
| Mar. 21 (7) | From the Minister in Egypt (tel.) Assurance by Egyptian authorities that, if Insull is found on Egyptian soil, he will be arrested and released to the American Legation for deportation. |
576 |
| Mar. 28 (6) | To the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) Instructions to ascertain whether the Turkish authorities are inclined to cooperate, and if so, to make formal request for the arrest and detention of Insull if he enters Turkish territorial waters. |
576 |
| Mar. 29 (18) | From the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) Turkish Government’s consent to arrest and detain Insull on receipt by March 30 of a warrant for arrest and the judicial record. |
577 |
| 1934 Mar. 29 (8) | To the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) Submission of warrant for Insull’s arrest (text printed); information that Legation in Athens has been requested to furnish a copy of the indictment. Instructions to endeavor to obtain immediate ratification of the extradition treaty. |
577 |
| Mar. 30 (20) | From the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) Information that Turkish Government, out of courtesy, will accept the cabled documents for court action; also that extradition treaty will be promptly ratified. |
578 |
| Mar. 31 (24) | From the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) Advice that Insull is being detained and that the documents have been received for court action. |
578 |
| Apr. 1 (25) | From the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) Information that the Maiotis with Insull aboard is still in port and that all depends on rapidity of court action and acceptance of indictment as adequate. |
579 |
| Apr. 2 (28) | From the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) Information that the Turkish Government has granted extradition of Insull; request for instructions respecting his return to the United States and the payment of incidental expenses. |
579 |
| Apr. 2 (29) | To the Minister in Greece (tel.) Instructions to obtain assurance from the Greek authorities to permit Insull’s passage through Greek territorial jurisdiction. |
579 |
| Apr. 3 (43) | From the Minister in Greece (tel.) Suggestion that some other travel arrangement for Insull be undertaken to avoid a stop in Greek waters since Greek public opinion is highly inflamed over the circumstances of Insull’s arrest. |
579 |
| Apr. 5 (17) | To the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) Instructions to explain to the Foreign Minister the difficulties of having Insull pass through Greek territory and several other countries and to suggest other arrangements. |
580 |
| Apr. 7 (34) | From the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) Acceptance of reservations by the Export Line on steamer sailing from Izmir, which, after one stop at Marmaris, will proceed directly to New York, arriving about May 10. |
581 |
| Apr. 7 (35) | To the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) Instructions concerning certain details of arrangements for Insull’s journey to the United States. |
581 |
| Apr. 10 (40) | To the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) Further instructions as to arrangements for Insull’s departure from Izmir and for his safe passage to the United States. |
582 |
| Apr. 12 (23) | From the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) Departure of Insull for Izmir, accompanied by Third Secretary of Embassy and Military Attaché. |
583 |
| May 8 | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Turkey,
Temporarily in the United States (tel.) Delivery of Insull to the U. S. Marshal in Chicago, May 8. |
583 |
ITALY
Preliminary Discussions Respecting a Trade Agreement Between the United States and Italy
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 May 12 (90) | From the Ambassador in Italy From Richard Washburn Child (on special economic mission to Europe): Conversation with the Under Secretary for Commerce with regard to Italy’s unfavorable balance of trade with the United States. |
584 |
| Sept. 17 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Advice to the Italian Ambassador by the Assistant Secretary of State that the United States is now prepared to enter upon reciprocal tariff negotiations with Italy. |
585 |
| Sept. 19 (203) | From the Ambassador in Italy Conversation with Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Suvich concerning U. S. desire for assurances that Italy would refrain from further measures of a restrictive character during treaty negotiations. |
586 |
| Sept. 22 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Italian Government’s acceptance of U. S. proposal for trade negotiations, but with a reservation concerning abstention from quota restrictions. |
587 |
| Sept. 27 (728) | From the Ambassador in Italy Impression that the Italian Government is determined to cut down imports to the approximate value of exports due to its large unfavorable trade balance; that Italy will enter trade negotiations with the United States with reluctance and only for the purpose of increasing its markets in the United States. |
589 |
| Sept. 29 | To the Italian Embassy Explanation of U. S. commercial policy, and willingness to proceed with a preliminary exchange of views regarding a possible commercial agreement with Italy. |
593 |
| Undated | From the Italian Embassy Advice that the Italian Government is prepared to initiate trade negotiations with the United States. (Footnote: Transmitted by the Italian Ambassador in a note of December 13, 1934.) |
595 |
Representations Regarding Import Quota System Established by Italy
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Aug. 20 (174) | From the Chargé in Italy (tel.) Note verbale from the Foreign Ministry, August 18 (text printed), advising that Italy has placed certain commodities on a quota system. |
597 |
| Aug. 21 (70) | To the Chargé in Italy (tel.) Request for information as to formula, if any, for establishing quota shares for each country and other related points. |
598 |
| Aug. 23 (180) | From the Chargé in Italy (tel.) Understanding that the quota assigned to various countries for a determined product is based on the imports from the respective countries for some recent selected year. |
599 |
| 1934 Aug. 27 (72) | To the Chargé in Italy (tel.) Instructions to endeavor to obtain Italian recognition of two points, i. e., a proportional share for American goods based on past imports and a uniform period for all commodities. |
600 |
| Sept. 18 (201) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Foreign Office note (text printed) indicating that method followed in fixing quotas appears to conform to the assurances desired by the Department. |
600 |
Proposed Extradition Treaty Between the United States and Italy To Replace the Treaty of March 23, 1868
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Mar. 10 (14) | To the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Instructions to inquire of Foreign Office whether Italy will agree to negotiate a new extradition treaty with the United States and, if so, will instruct its Ambassador to take up the matter with the Department. |
601 |
| Apr. 3 (51) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Foreign Office reply (text printed) advising that the Italian Government had made a proposal for such a convention in 1927, at which time it was agreed that negotiations should be held in Rome, and transmitting a draft convention. |
601 |
| Apr. 5 (24) | To the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Acquiescence in Italian proposal to conduct negotiations in Rome; desire that negotiations be based on a U. S. draft submitted to the Foreign Office in 1929. |
602 |
| Apr. 9 (56) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Observation that Italian draft treaty is more comprehensive than U. S. 1929 draft and offers a fair basis for negotiations; intention to withhold action pending further instructions. |
602 |
| Apr. 10 (27) | To the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Instructions to withhold action pending Department’s receipt of Italian draft. |
603 |
| May 4 (204) | To the Ambassador in Italy U. S. objections to Italian draft, and desire that 1929 draft furnish basis for negotiations, with certain additions and modifications. |
603 |
| May 24 (551) | From the Ambassador in Italy Advice from Foreign Office that the 1929 draft treaty is being examined by the Ministry of Justice. |
605 |
| June 22 (594) | From the Ambassador in Italy Information from Foreign Office that study on the extradition treaty is progressing. (Footnote: Information that no further reply from the Italian Government has been found in the Department’s files.) |
606 |
Conditions Indicating a Voluntary Acceptance of Italian Nationality Conferred Upon a Naturalized American Citizen Under Italian Law
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 July 30 (255) | To the Ambassador in Italy Discussion of conditions which will be considered by the Department as indications of voluntary acceptance of Italian nationality conferred upon a naturalized American citizen under the Italian Law of June 13, 1912. |
606 |
| Aug. 16 (264) | To the Ambassador in Italy Clarification of one paragraph of instruction No. 255 of July 30. |
611 |
Proposal by the Italian Government for Exemption From Income Taxes on a Reciprocal Basis of Italian Journalists in the United States and American Journalists in Italy
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Aug. 16 | From the Italian Chargé Inquiry as to facilities given Italian newspapermen in the United States with regard to Federal and State taxes, with a view to ascertaining whether it might be possible on a reciprocal basis to grant exemption from income tax payment to American press representatives in Italy. |
612 |
| Oct. 2 | To the Italian Ambassador Information that there is no provision in the 1934 Revenue Act under which it would be possible to exempt Italian journalists in the United States from Federal income tax payment on the basis of reciprocity. |
613 |
LATVIA
Representations Regarding Alleged Discrimination Against American Trade in Latvia
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 30 (83) | From the Chargé in Latvia Quarterly report on discriminatory legislation and Legation’s activities in protecting American firms. |
614 |
| May 14 (289) | From the Chargé in Latvia Report that no new legislation was enacted in first quarter of 1934 indicating discrimination against American trade; account of instances wherein assistance was rendered to American firms reporting difficulties. |
615 |
| Dec. 5 (55) | To the Chargé in Latvia (tel.) Instructions to submit a comprehensive report on the present treatment of American trade in Latvia. |
616 |
Proposed Treaty of Naturalization and Military Service Between the United States and Latvia
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 May 15 (51) | To the Chargé in Latvia Request to be informed of the present status of negotiations initiated with Latvia for a treaty of naturalization and military service. |
617 |
| June 13 (349) | From the Chargé in Latvia Information that on June 1, with a view to expediting the conclusion of a treaty of naturalization and military service, a note was submitted to a Foreign Office official, who promised that matter would be given immediate consideration. |
617 |
| July 5 (378) | From the Chargé in Latvia Foreign Office note, June 28 (text printed), advising that the Latvian Government regrets its inability to accept the proposed treaty of naturalization and military service. |
618 |
LITHUANIA
Expression of Concern Over the Treatment Accorded to American Trade in Lithuania
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Apr. 27 (60) | From the Chargé in Lithuania Memorandum, April 25, by Mr. Basil F. Macgowan, clerk in the Consulate at Kaunas (text printed), regarding a conversation with a member of the Finance Ministry relating to Lithuanian trade practices and restrictions and their effect on American trade. |
620 |
| May 29 (15) | To the Chargé in Lithuania Instructions to report further on the treatment accorded American trade by the Lithuanian authorities, with specific information on the treatment of individual American commodities. |
626 |
NETHERLANDS
Preliminary Discussions Respecting a Trade Agreement Between the United States and the Netherlands
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 May 24 (29) | To the Minister in the
Netherlands Information that a draft treaty has been submitted to the Netherland Minister for the consideration of his Government to provide for granting to the Netherlands most-favored-nation treatment with regard to the excise tax on coal and coke. Advice that this draft treaty is not in the nature of a reciprocal trade agreement, but request for views and information with regard to such an agreement. |
627 |
| July 2 (45) | From the Minister in the
Netherlands Opinion that in view of the Netherlands’ recent policy of restrictive quota arrangements, it is not likely to consent to the most-favored-nation treaty recently proposed by the United States. Suggestion, however, that a special trade agreement might be negotiated. |
629 |
| 1934 July 21 (49) | To the Minister in the
Netherlands Information that a suggestion has been made to the Nether-land Minister looking toward the initiation in November of reciprocal tariff negotiations. Request for further pertinent information and recommendations. |
632 |
| Oct. 31 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Information from the Counselor of the Netherland Legation that his Government is willing to undertake negotiation of a trade agreement with the United States. |
632 |
| Dec. 8 | Memorandum of a Conversation Between the Netherland
Minister, the Chief of the Division of Trade Agreements, and the
Assistant Secretary of State Discussion of the initiation of negotiations for a trade agreement between the United States and the Netherlands. |
633 |
Proposal for the Establishment of a Reciprocal Air Navigation Arrangement Between the United States and the Netherlands
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 June 26 | Memorandum by Mr. Stephen Latchford of the Treaty
Division Difficulties arising in negotiations for an air agreement with the Netherlands, involving question of including the territorial possessions of the United States. |
635 |
| June 28 (38) | To the Minister in the Netherlands Proposed modifications in the agreement, including insertion of a new article (text printed) providing for the possible extension of the arrangement to additional territories of either country. |
636 |
| Nov. 26 (112) | From the Chargé in the Netherlands Foreign Minister’s note, November 20 (text printed), indicating that the Netherlands cannot agree to the proposed modification without further negotiation. |
638 |
NORWAY
Preliminary Discussions Respecting a Trade Agreement Between the United States and Norway
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 25 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the Norwegian Minister, who mentioned his Government’s desire to negotiate a commercial treaty with the United States; U. S. hope of including Norway in the next group of countries with which negotiations are undertaken. |
642 |
| Apr. 25 (455) | From the Minister in Norway Comments with respect to a joint report, dated March 21, by the Ministers in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, giving recommendations for the improvement of trade and other relations between the United States and the Scandinavian countries. |
642 |
| 1934 Apr. 28 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with First Secretary of the Norwegian Legation regarding the proposed U. S. tax on whale oil considered to be in violation of the U. S.-Norwegian commercial treaty of 1928. |
646 |
| June 21 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the Norwegian Minister, who was advised that the United States is not yet prepared to undertake trade negotiations with Norway; Minister’s inquiry as to whether it would be possible to secure any relief with regard to the tax on whale oil under section 602 of the 1934 Revenue Act. |
646 |
| June 30 | From the Norwegian Minister Norwegian view that new U. S. whale oil tax should be considered as an excise tax rather than an import tax, and as such not in accordance with U. S.-Norwegian treaty provisions. |
647 |
| July 19 (12) | To the Minister in Norway (tel.) Information that the United States is prepared to enter upon reciprocal tariff negotiations with Norway after completion of studies. Instructions to report pertinent information on Norwegian trade policy and commercial treaties. |
650 |
| Aug. 9 | Memorandum by the Acting Chief of the Division of
Western European Affairs Inquiry by the Norwegian Chargé as to possibility of preliminary negotiations on the U. S. tax on whale oil prior to trade agreement negotiations; reply that the United States is not yet in a position to say whether it is possible or feasible to deal with the tax on whale oil. |
650 |
| Oct. 10 (259) | To the Minister in Norway Information that Department has no authority to conclude a preliminary agreement on the importation of whale oil, but that a 50 percent reduction of the tax may be obtained under the Tariff Bargaining Act. |
651 |
| Oct. 11 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Norwegian Minister’s inquiry whether it would be possible under Norwegian treaty rights to secure a temporary suspension of the whale oil tariff; Secretary’s promise that the point would be investigated. |
652 |
| Oct. 11 | To the Norwegian Minister Submission, in reply to Norwegian note of June 30, of a Treasury Department letter (excerpts printed), indicating that the tax on whale oil was intended to be an import tax, not an excise tax. |
653 |
| Oct. 17 (529) | From the Minister in Norway Opinion that any preliminary agreement concerning U. S. tariff on whale oil should embrace a proportionate concession to American trade in Norway, such as the removal of import restrictions on American automobiles. |
654 |
| Oct. 23 (532) | From the Minister in Norway Submission of detailed and comprehensive report on Norway’s trade; impression that prospect for a valuable reciprocal tariff adjustment is unsatisfactory. |
655 |
| 1934 Dec. 21 | Memorandum by the Secretary
State Discussion with Norwegian Minister, who inquired as to U. S. plans for reduction of import tax on whale oil from Norway, and was told of Department’s efforts in the matter; Minister’s submission of a note (infra) on the clearing agreement between Norway and Germany. |
671 |
| Dec. 21 | From the Norwegian Legation Advice that as a result of the prohibitive U. S. import tax on whale oil, Norwegian-American trade is being diverted to other markets; that in connection with the recent export of large quantities of whale oil and products, a clearing agreement has now been concluded with Germany. |
672 |
| 1935 Jan. 3 | To the Norwegian Minister Letter from the Treasury Department (excerpt printed) in reply to further Norwegian contentions for exemption from the whale oil tax, adhering to previous opinion that it is a customs duty. |
673 |
POLAND
Adherence of the Free City of Danzig as a Contracting Party to the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Consular Rights Between the United States and Poland
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1933 Sept. 5 (73) | To the Chargé in Poland Instructions to inquire of Foreign Office whether Polish Government intends to avail itself of the right in regard to Free City of Danzig to declare Danzig a contracting party to the 1931 treaty of friendship, commerce and consular rights between the United States and Poland. |
675 |
| 1934 Jan. 2 (137) | From the Ambassador in Poland Polish Government’s intention to transmit to the U. S. Government a declaration in accordance with article 29 of the 1931 treaty. |
675 |
| Mar. 9 | To the Polish Ambassador Acknowledgment of Polish declaration (text printed), and willingness to recognize the Free City of Danzig as a contracting party to the U. S.-Polish treaty of 1931. |
676 |
PORTUGAL
Discontinuation of Discussions Respecting a Trade Agreement Between the United States and Portugal
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Feb. 8 (22 P. 11/2) | From the Portuguese Minister Advice of Portuguese action in lowering the flour acidity requirement for flour imported into the Madeira Islands as requested by U. S. Government, and expectation that the U. S. Government will comply with assurances given relative to the Portuguese wine quota. |
677 |
| 1934 Feb. 23 | To the Portuguese Minister Information concerning U. S. issuance of import permits for Portuguese wines to a total amount of 300,000 gallons. |
678 |
| July 1 (4) | From the Minister in Portugal (tel.) Issuance by the Portuguese Government of a discriminatory decree relating to surtaxes on imports. |
678 |
| July 6 (5) | From the Minister in Portugal (tel.) Portuguese position denying that flag discrimination is covered by most-favored-nation clause. |
679 |
| July 14 (7) | From the Minister in Portugal (tel.) Portuguese decree, issued July 13, raising automobile duties approximately 20 percent. |
679 |
| Aug. 10 (9) | From the Minister in Portugal (tel.) Issuance of a decree, August 7, increasing port dues in Lisbon, but exempting Portuguese vessels and those of countries which have secured abolition of flag discrimination from 50 percent of heavy stationing charge. |
679 |
| Aug. 15 | Memorandum by Mr. John H. Morgan, of the Division of
Western European Affairs Résumé of Portuguese practice of flag discrimination, and indication that the Department should consider either a special agreement with Portugal or the adoption of retaliatory measures. |
680 |
| Oct. 5 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of
Western European Affairs Opinion that, in view of Portuguese discriminations against American shipping, there would be no useful purpose in undertaking commercial treaty discussions at the present time. |
682 |
| Oct. 22 | From the Assistant Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs to the Assistant Secretary of
State Explanation to Portuguese Minister of U. S. difficulties in giving trade name protection to Portuguese wines; information that Portugal does not Appear anxious to undertake treaty discussions with the United States. |
683 |
RUMANIA
Rescinding of Penalties Imposed on the Chauffeur of the Rumanian Minister in Violation of Diplomatic Immunity
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Oct. 9 (3376/P–31) | From the Rumanian Minister Report on the arrest of his chauffeur in the state of Rhode Island, and request for refund of the fine and fee imposed on the chauffeur. |
684 |
| Oct. 23 | To the Rumanian Minister Information that contents of Minister’s note of October 9 have been forwarded to the Governor of Rhode Island for consideration. |
685 |
| 1934 Nov. 5 | From the Rumanian Minister Request for intervention with Rhode Island authorities in the matter of the suspension of the chauffeur’s license. |
685 |
| Nov. 20 | From the Governor of Rhode
Island Arrangements for adjustment of the matter. |
686 |
| Dee. 31 | From Mr. Charles W. Hill of the Executive Department
of the State of Rhode Island Transmittal of check to reimburse chauffeur for fine and costs paid by him in Rhode Island court. |
686 |
SPAIN
Agreement Fixing Quota for Imports of Wines and Spirits From Spain in Return for Increased Purchases of American Tobacco by Spanish Tobacco Monopoly, Effected by Exchange of Notes Signed February 16 and 23, 1934
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 25 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the Spanish Ambassador concerning a pending proposal for a fixed quota for U. S. imports of Spanish wines in return for increased Spanish purchases of American tobacco. |
687 |
| Feb. 7 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the Spanish Ambassador, who offered a specific suggestion with respect to the question of the wine quota for Spain. |
688 |
| Feb. 15 (10) | To the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Information that a draft agreement has been prepared along the lines of the Spanish Ambassador’s proposal; instructions to ascertain action contemplated by the Spanish Government. |
688 |
| Feb. 17 (20) | From the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Advice that Foreign Office has cabled the Spanish Ambassador to close the agreement. |
689 |
| Feb. 16 (108/13) | From the Spanish Ambassador Spanish Government’s concurrence in and understanding of the terms of the wine and tobacco agreement. |
689 |
| Feb. 23 | To the Spanish Ambassador U. S. reply to note of February 16, confirming Spanish understanding of agreement. |
690 |
| Mar. 13 (82) | To the Ambassador in Spain Transmittal of copies of notes exchanged February 16 and 23; information concerning implementation of agreement. |
690 |
Preliminary Discussions Respecting a Trade Agreement Between the United States and Spain
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Mar. 21 (316) | From the Ambassador in Spain Opinion that in view of the present trend of Spain’s commercial policy, it would appear advisable, as soon as possible, to negotiate a commercial treaty with Spain on the basis of reciprocal concessions. |
691 |
| Mar. 26 (28) | From the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Foreign Minister’s request for official verification of an Associated Press report of U. S. intention to negotiate trade agreements with Spain and Italy, and his assurance of Spain’s desire for a trade arrangement with the United States. |
693 |
| Mar. 28 (21) | To the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Advice that no statement has been given to the press; instructions to inform the Foreign Minister that pending the enactment of pertinent legislation, no commitment can be made as to when discussions may be opened. |
693 |
| Apr. 20 (25) | To the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Instructions to inform the Foreign Office of announcement by the Department of Agriculture of its intention to permit, effective May 1, under certain protective provisions, entry at New York of Vinifera grapes from regions in which the Mediterranean fruit fly occurs. |
694 |
| May 18 (111/08) | From the Spanish Ambassador Spanish Government’s desire for improvement of trade and economic relations with the United States and, specifically, elimination of the deficit in the present balance of payments. |
695 |
| June 19 (406) | From the Ambassador in Spain Opinion that since the President has been granted the power to act in negotiation of trade agreements, a sympathetic attitude should be adopted toward Spanish suggestion for a trade agreement. |
696 |
| June 25 | To the Spanish Ambassador Attitude concerning measures for improvement of trade conditions between the United States and Spain; inability as yet to fix a date on which to open discussions with regard to the various problems. |
697 |
| June 27 (112/06) | From the Spanish Ambassador Acknowledgment of Department’s note of June 25 and reiteration of the Spanish Government’s desire for early negotiation of a trade agreement. |
698 |
| July 17 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of
Western European Affairs Discussion between Department officials and Spanish Ambassador regarding the possibilities of reaching a formula under which negotiations could be opened for a trade agreement; presentation to the Ambassador of a draft modus vivendi to cover the period of negotiations. |
699 |
| 1934 Aug. 4 (40) | To the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Information concerning modification of an Agriculture Department supplemental order relating to the importation of Vinifera grapes in order to avoid adverse effect on Spanish shipments. |
702 |
| Aug. 15 | From the Spanish Embassy Spanish Government’s attitude toward terms of proposed modus vivendi; willingness to agree that no quotas should be established prior to November 30 which would affect U. S. trade. |
703 |
| Aug. 17 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of
Western European Affairs Discussion with the Spanish Ambassador, who was asked to ascertain his Government’s views as to the U. S. desire for certain assurances of fair treatment with regard to quotas. |
704 |
| Sept. 6 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Conversation with the Spanish Ambassador concerning his Government’s willingness to exchange certain quota guarantees desired by the United States; his request to be given the U. S. list of desiderata prior to the formal meeting of the negotiators. |
705 |
| Sept. 6 (113/22) | From the Spanish Embassy Aide-mémoire outlining Spanish Government’s understanding concerning treatment to be accorded U. S. trade under established quotas up to November 30. |
706 |
| Undated | To the Spanish Embassy Confirmation of Spanish understanding and offer of reciprocal assurances. |
707 |
| Sept. 13 (50) | To the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Advice that U. S.-Spanish exchange of notes has been completed; instructions to inform Spanish Government that Department plans to give public notice, September 17, of its intention to negotiate a trade agreement with Spain, and to ascertain whether the Spanish Government desires to make simultaneous announcement. |
707 |
| Sept. 15 (60) | From the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Information that Spanish Government plans to make simultaneous announcement of treaty negotiations. |
708 |
| Oct. 10 | From the Chief of the Division of Western European
Affairs to the Assistant Secretary of State Report of conversation with the Spanish Counselor of Embassy, who reiterated the request for an advance list of U. S. desiderata and was assured that the matter would be considered. |
708 |
SWEDEN
Preliminary Discussions Respecting a Trade Agreement Between the United States and Sweden
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 17 | To the Swedish Legation U. S. willingness, in return for acceptable provisions regarding treatment of American commerce by Sweden, to give certain assurances as to imports of wood pulp and newsprint from Sweden. |
709 |
| Jan. 22 | To the Swedish Legation Concessions desired by the United States in connection with proposed reciprocal trade agreement with Sweden. |
709 |
| Feb. 8 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the Swedish Minister as to the possibilities of progress in the matter of a reciprocal commercial treaty. |
710 |
| Mar. 13 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of
Western European Affairs Conversation with the Commercial Counselor of the Swedish Legation concerning six points in connection with the commercial treaty which have caused his Government some anxiety. |
710 |
| July 16 (23) | To the Minister in Sweden (tel.) Information that the Swedish Legation has been advised of U. S. willingness to enter into reciprocal tariff negotiations upon the Swedish Minister’s return to Washington in September; instructions to report observations and recommendations with respect to conduct of the proposed negotiations. |
712 |
| Aug. 9 (216) | From the Minister in Sweden Observations concerning the U. S. concessions to which the Foreign Office will attach the greatest importance, and brief summarization of Sweden’s trade policies and commercial treaties. |
713 |
| Sept. 7 (27) | To the Minister in Sweden (tel.) Department’s plans to give public notice on September 10 of its intention to negotiate a trade agreement with Sweden. |
719 |
| Oct. 4 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Exchange of views with the Swedish Minister concerning desired objectives in negotiating the trade agreement. |
719 |
| Oct. 11 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Receipt of memorandum from the Swedish Minister relating to proposed trade agreement negotiations (infra). |
720 |
| Oct. 11 | From the Swedish Legation Reply to Department’s memorandums of January 17 and 22; indication of willingness to begin negotiations for a commercial treaty immediately. |
721 |
| Oct. 18 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Conversation between Assistant Secretary of State Sayre and the Swedish Minister, in which the former advised the Minister that further study of the Swedish note of October 11 would have to be made before a decision could be given as to whether it offered sufficient hopes for successful negotiations. |
723 |
| 1934 Oct. 19 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Conversation with the Swedish Counselor of Legation, who explained more fully the view expressed in Swedish note of October 11; Counselor’s hope that the United States will make no decision of principle until the Swedish Government transmits a draft treaty containing certain general articles and a list of desiderata. |
724 |
| Oct. 20 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Comments concerning the Swedish note of October 11; opinion that the Department should agree to receive the Swedish draft treaty and suspend judgment until the Swedish offer can be examined. |
725 |
| Oct. 23 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Conversation with the Swedish Counselor of Legation, who reiterated the Swedish point of view. |
727 |
| Oct. 25 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Conversation between Assistant Secretary Sayre and the Swedish Minister, during which the latter was informed of the Department’s willingness to receive the draft treaty with annexes and mutually to come to a decision with the Minister as to the feasibility of formally opening negotiations. |
728 |
| Nov. 8 | From President Roosevelt Approval of informal report of the Tariff Commission with respect to taking no further action on newsprint under provisions of section 3 (e) of the National Industrial Recovery Act; request for report on actual results of American paper pulp industry in case additional imports take place. |
729 |
| Dec. 4 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of
Western European Affairs Conversation with the Swedish Counselor of Legation, who reported that the official Swedish list of desiderata will be presented in a day or so. |
729 |
| Dec. 6 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Treaty
Division Conversation with the Swedish Minister, who inquired whether the United States would give his Government, as a condition precedent to beginning negotiations, informal assurance that no inimical action would be taken under the National Industrial Recovery Act; opinion that the proper channel for such request would be the Executive Commercial Policy Committee. |
730 |
| Dec. 6 (35) | To the Minister in Sweden (tel.) Résumé of developments concerning proposed commercial agreement and comments as to the firm course to be pursued by the Department to obtain real concessions from Sweden. |
731 |
| 1934 Dec. 6 | From the Swedish Minister Transmittal of official desiderata and request for an exchange of views regarding the general stipulations in the proposed agreement in order to establish a basis for the detailed discussion of mutual concessions. |
731 |
| Dec. 12 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of
Western European Affairs Conversation between the Swedish Minister and Assistant Secretary Sayre concerning forthcoming negotiations; mutual agreement to exchange views on the general clauses of the agreement as soon as possible and to begin intensive discussion of the schedules of concessions within about a week. |
732 |
SWITZERLAND
Preliminary Discussions Respecting a Trade Agreement Between the United States and Switzerland
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 May 7 | From the Swiss Minister Confirmation of Swiss Government’s desire to be included among the countries with which the American Government will study the possibilities of concluding a trade agreement. |
734 |
| June 16 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Treaty
Division Conversation with the Swiss Counselor of Legation, who said that his Government was ready to begin negotiations for a trade agreement as soon as convenient for the United States. |
734 |
| July 17 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Conversation with the Swiss Minister, who was told that, if agreeable to the Swiss Government, the United States would be prepared to begin negotiations in September. |
735 |
| July 18 (39) | To the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) Instructions to report in detail any pertinent information regarding Swiss trade policy and recommendations on conduct of negotiations. |
736 |
| Oct. 1 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Discussion with the Swiss Minister of difficulties threatening the formal opening of trade negotiations in view of the recent Swiss announcement of a reduction of the 1935 quota for American automobiles; Swiss Minister’s willingness to cable recommendation to his Government that the announcement be withdrawn. |
736 |
| Oct. 6 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Swiss Minister’s confirmation of his Government’s withdrawal of its 1935 declaration of quotas. |
739 |
| 1934 Oct. 19 (61) | To the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) Advice that the Department plans to give public notice on October 23 of its intention to negotiate a trade agreement with Switzerland; instructions to inform the Swiss Government. |
740 |
| Oct. 20 (41) | From the Chargé in Switzerland (tel.) Swiss Government’s nonobjection to U. S. plan. |
740 |
| Nov. 14 (67) | To the Chargé in Switzerland (tel.) Department’s concern over report that a number of representatives of Swiss business interests are planning to come to the United States for the Swiss hearings on December 17; instructions to take this matter up informally with the appropriate authorities. |
741 |
| Nov. 15 (42) | From the Chargé in Switzerland (tel.) Advice that Swiss Department of Public Economy has advised against contemplated action of the Swiss business interests. |
741 |
| Dec. 20 (71) | To the Chargé in Switzerland (tel.) Instructions to discuss informally with appropriate Swiss authorities the question of setting the latter part of February as the date for exchange of desiderata. |
741 |
YUGOSLAVIA
Right of American Citizens of Yugoslav Birth To Visit Yugoslavia Without Being Liable for Military Service
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Apr. 3 (96) | From the Minister in Yugoslavia Report on conflicting information concerning the right of naturalized American citizens of Yugoslav origin to visit their homeland without being liable for Yugoslav military service. |
742 |
| June 11 (59) | To the Minister in Yugoslavia Instructions to discuss the matter with the Foreign Ministry and to request that instructions and practices of the several Ministries be harmonized for clarification of the issue. |
743 |
| July 19 (170) | From the Chargé in Yugoslavia Résumé of correspondence and conversations with the Foreign Office concerning interpretation of article 45 of Yugoslav military law whereby persons of Yugoslav origin may regularize their status; conclusion that it is safe to assume that no naturalized American citizen of Yugoslav origin need fear induction into Yugoslav military service if he has complied strictly with the provisions of article 45 of the law. |
745 |
THE NEAR EAST AND AFRICA
AFGHANISTAN
Recognition by the United States of the Government of Mohammed Zahir Shah, King of Afghanistan
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 June 30 (493) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Request for instructions as to action desired concerning a letter received from the Afghan Minister, for transmission to President Roosevelt from King Mohammed Zahir, announcing the death of his father and his own accession to the throne after election by the people. |
747 |
| July 2 (263) | To the Chargé in France (tel.) Instructions to forward the letter for consideration of the President and to inform the Afghan Minister. |
747 |
| June 28 | From the Afghan Minister in France to the American
Ambassador in France Letter dated April 24 from Mohammed Zahir Shah to President Roosevelt (text printed). |
747 |
| Aug. 21 | To President Roosevelt Transmittal of King Mohammed Zahir’s letter and a proposed draft reply, which would constitute formal recognition of his regime; opinion that there appears to be no reason for withholding recognition. |
748 |
| Aug. 28 (549) | To the Ambassador in France President Roosevelt’s reply, August 21 (text printed), to be forwarded to King Mohammed Zahir extending U. S. recognition to the Government of Afghanistan. |
750 |
EGYPT
Disinclination of the Department of State To Acquiesce in Any Diminution of Capitulatory Rights With Respect to Air Navigation Over Egypt Without Prior Agreement
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 June 5 (88) | From the Minister in Egypt Information concerning reported refusal of the Egyptian Government to accept article I of the proposed new aviation law pertaining to capitulatory rights in the air; suggestion that the Department communicate its own views on the subject for discreet use of the Legation. |
751 |
| Nov. 19 (61) | To the Minister in Egypt Department’s unwillingness to acquiesce in any diminution of capitulatory rights without prior arrangement through regular procedure under the capitulations. |
752 |
ETHIOPIA
Ethiopian-Italian Conflict; Preliminary Italian Maneuvers Toward the Subversion of Ethiopian Independence
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Aug. 29 | Report No. 14028 by the Military Attaché in
Italy Information from reliable sources concerning Italian military preparations for operations against Ethiopia. |
754 |
| Sept. 19 | Memorandum by the Ambassador in
Italy Conversation with Suvich, Italian Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, who denied reports of hostile intentions of the Italian Government toward Ethiopia. |
755 |
| Sept. 21 | Report No. 14057 by the Military Attaché in
Italy Further indications of Italian military plans. |
756 |
| Sept. 22 (319) | From the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (tel.) Information from the Italian Ambassador that his Government has reached agreements of noninterference with France and Great Britain relative to Ethiopia. |
757 |
| Sept. 27 (281) | To the Ambassador in Italy Transmission of paraphrase of telegram No. 319, September 22, from the Ambassador in the Soviet Union; instructions to report any information obtainable regarding the matter. (Footnote: Similar instructions to the diplomatic representatives in Great Britain, France, and Ethiopia.) |
758 |
| Oct. 12 (1279) | From the Ambassador in France Apparent French policy of noninterference in the Ethiopian situation. |
758 |
| Oct. 15 (989) | From the Ambassador in Great
Britain Conversation with Foreign Office official, who expressed his belief that the rumor of British assurance of nonintervention is without foundation. |
759 |
| Nov. 21 (1061) | From the Ambassador in Great
Britain Comments of Foreign Office official as to British views concerning a recent report of an attack by armed Ethiopians on the Italian Consulate at Gondar in North Ethiopia. |
760 |
| Nov. 21 (9) | From the Chargé in Ethiopia Report on the Italo-Ethiopian situation. |
761 |
| Dec. 6 (21) | From the Chargé in Ethiopia (tel.) Report of grave situation created at Walwal, a prominent water hole in the Ogaden Desert, when, on November 23, the Anglo-Ethiopian Boundary Commission was denied permission to proceed past an Italian military post within Ethiopian boundaries. |
765 |
| Dec. 6 (19) | From the Chargé in Ethiopia Further details concerning the Walwal incident; Italian tank and airplane demonstration in reply to the Boundary Commission’s protest. |
765 |
| Dec. 8 (292) | From the Chargé in Italy (tel.) Italian account of attack, December 5, on Walwal (claimed to be on Italian territory) by Ethiopian troops and repulsed by colonial troops and airplanes. |
767 |
| 1934 Dec. 12 (23) | From the Chargé in Ethiopia (tel.) Information concerning Italian note of protest deposited with the Foreign Office relative to the December 5 attack on Walwal. |
767 |
| Dec. 17 | From the Chief of the Division of Near Eastern
Affairs to the Under Secretary of State Comments concerning the growing complications in Italo-Ethiopian relations; belief that there may soon be a move to invoke the Kellogg Pact, and, if so, that invocation should be left to the League of Nations inasmuch as both Ethiopia and Italy are League members. |
768 |
| Dec. 18 (26) | From the Chargé in Ethiopia (tel.) Report of rumored revolt in Ethiopian desert, and of Emperor’s intention to request U. S. mediation. |
769 |
| Dec. 18 (22) | To the Chargé in Ethiopia (tel.) Instructions to report source of information concerning Emperor’s intention of requesting U. S. mediation. |
769 |
| Dec. 19 (27) | From the Chargé in Ethiopia (tel.) Report of audience with the Emperor, who requested that a message (text printed) be sent the Department indicating Ethiopia’s desire for some action by a great power in support of a solution of the Ogaden incident by arbitration or other judicial means. |
770 |
| Dec. 20 | Memorandum by the Under Secretary of
State Conversation with the Italian Ambassador, who expressed the opinion that the Ethiopian controversy was not serious, and that the Italian Government would not attempt a campaign in Ethiopia. |
771 |
| Dec. 20 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the Rumanian Minister, who was told, upon inquiry, that in regard to the Italo-Ethiopian controversy the U. S. Government would continue its present policy and attitude of observer. |
771 |
| Dec. 20 (32) | From the Chargé in Ethiopia Reply to Department’s telegram No. 22 of December 18; further information with regard to audience with the Emperor reported in telegram No. 27, December 19. |
772 |
| Dec. 21 (23) | To the Chargé in Ethiopia (tel.) Instructions to inform the Emperor that since the Walwal incident has been brought before the League of Nations, the U. S. Government cannot properly take any action but will follow with sympathetic interest efforts to compose the dispute. (Footnote: Repetition of substance of telegram to the Consul at Geneva and the Ambassador in Italy.) |
774 |
| Dec. 21 (1133 Pol.) | From the Consul at Geneva Information that the Ethiopian Government thus far has not invoked the assistance of the Council under any article of the Covenant but has presented the question to the League in a manner that may be considered merely of informative nature. |
774 |
Representations in Support of Claim of American Citizen for Illegal Detention in Ethiopia; Protest Against Discourtesy to the American Minister
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1933 Feb. 27 (312) | To the Minister in Ethiopia Instructions to make representations to the Foreign Office on behalf of Dr. Reuben S. Young, an American citizen illegally detained by the Ethiopean police at Diré-Daoua in August 1932 while in custody of the American Minister; further, to request apology to the Minister and full compensation to Dr. Young for loss of time and expenses incurred. |
775 |
| Nov. 15 (1283) | From the Minister in Ethiopia Report of evasive attitude of the Foreign Office toward various efforts of the Minister for action in the Young case. |
777 |
| 1934 July 20 (6) | To the Minister in Ethiopia (tel.) Instructions to inform the Emperor of U. S. intention to withdraw its diplomatic representation from his country in view of Ethiopian lack of consideration for U. S. representations in the Young case and other matters. |
778 |
| Aug. 4 (9) | From the Minister in Ethiopia (tel.) Advice that the Emporer is unwilling to give a definite answer until Foreign Office has had time to reconsider claims in the light of most recent U. S. representations. |
779 |
| Aug. 25 (11) | From the Minister in Ethiopia (tel.) Request for authorization to accept offer made by the Ethiopian Government for settlement of the Young claim and for punishment of the responsible Ethiopian official. |
779 |
| Aug. 31 (15) | To the Minister in Ethiopia (tel.) Instructions to accept the Ethiopian offer. |
779 |
IRAQ
Extradition Treaty Between the United States and Iraq, Signed June 7, 1934
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 June 7 | Extradition Treaty Between the United States of
America and Iraq Text, signed at Baghdad. |
781 |
LIBERIA
Rejection by Liberia of League of Nations Plan of Assistance; Plan of the Liberian Government for Accomplishing Needed Reforms
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Jan. 12 | A Joint Resolution by the Senate and House of
Representatives of Liberia Authorizing the President of Liberia To
Complete Negotiations in Connection With the League’s Plan of
Assistance to Liberia Text, approved January 12. |
788 |
| Jan. 15 (8) | From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Receipt by League of Nations of Liberian acceptance of Plan of Assistance subject to certain reservations; question of League position with respect to reservations and request for any information or suggestions from the Department. |
790 |
| 1934 Jan. 17 (14) | From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) From Reber (American representative, League of Nations Committee on Liberia): Report of informal meeting of former members of Liberian Committee for discussion of the rapporteur’s declaration to be made at the next Council session regarding the Liberian reservations to the League’s Plan of Assistance, which will be interpreted as Liberian rejection. |
791 |
| Jan. 19 (15) | From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) From Reber: Adoption by the Council of the rapporteur’s declaration as outlined in telegram No. 14, January 17; Liberian delegate’s claim that his Government’s reply does not constitute a refusal of the League Plan. |
791 |
| Apr. 15 (14) | From the Chargé in Liberia (tel.) Liberian request for assistance in opening negotiations with the Finance Corporation for revision of the financial plan. |
792 |
| Apr. 17 (3) | To the Chargé in Liberia (tel.) Advice that the Department considers the contract between the Liberian Government and the Finance Corporation a private matter and that it would be inappropriate to interfere in any negotiations between them. |
792 |
| Apr. 20 (4) | To the Chargé in Liberia (tel.) Instructions to express to the Secretary of State U. S. hope that Liberia will reconsider and accept the Plan of Assistance without reservation. |
793 |
| Apr. 23 (20) | From the Chargé in Liberia (tel.) Information that representations were made to Secretary of State in accordance with Department’s instructions, but that at a Cabinet meeting on April 15, it was decided to maintain the reservations and reject the Plan. |
793 |
| May 9 (148) | To the Consul at Geneva (tel.) For Reber: Department’s hope that if the League has to announce Liberian rejection of the Plan and consequent discontinuance of League interest in Liberian rehabilitation, it will provide an escape clause which will enable Liberia to petition the League within a reasonable period of time to place the Plan in operation without changes. |
793 |
| May 10 (150) | To the Consul at Geneva (tel.) For Reber: Suggestion that the League send a public telegram reminding the Liberian Government that the Council expects a definite reply for consideration at the next week’s meeting when the League will take official cognizance of the Liberian problem. |
794 |
| May 10 (9) | To the Chargé in Liberia (tel.) Statement handed to the Liberian Consul General at Baltimore (text printed), concerning Department’s attitude toward the Plan and urging Liberian acceptance. |
795 |
| May 13 (246) | From the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) From Reber: Information relative to desire of Sottile, Liberian representative, for postponement of Liberian question as long as possible during the present Council meeting in view of probable new instructions from his Government. |
795 |
| 1934 May 14 | From the British Ambassador Information concerning British position to be adopted at forthcoming Council meeting proposing consideration of Liberia’s expulsion from the League and U. S.-British cooperation in seeking a solution of the Liberian situation. |
796 |
| May 18 (81) | From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) From Reber: Resolution adopted by the Council noting Liberian rejection of the Plan and consequent withdrawal of League offer to the Liberian Government; résumé of British proposals. |
797 |
| June 12 (200) | From the British Ambassador Résumé of Liberian situation, and request for U. S. views and recommendations as to U. S.-British cooperation and measures to improve the situation. |
798 |
| July 12 | From the Secretary of State to Mr. Harry McBride,
Special Assistant to the Secretary of State Authorization to proceed to Liberia and to analyze the situation there, with a view to presenting recommendations for a new course of action to be pursued by the U. S. Government. |
802 |
| July 20 (15) | To the Chargé in Liberia (tel.) Information that McBride will arrive in Liberia about August 27 and remain approximately a week; instructions to ascertain whether President Barclay will be in Monrovia at that time, and if so, to inform him of the proposed visit without stating its purpose. |
802 |
| July 21 | To the British Chargé Information concerning McBride’s proposed visit to Liberia and advice that U. S. views on the Liberian question will be made known to the British Government upon conclusion of the McBride survey. |
803 |
| July 30 (3025) | From the Belgian Ambassador Request for opinion as to the advisability of the acceptance of a Liberian invitation for Mr. Moeller, former Vice Governor General of the Belgian Congo, to go to Liberia to investigate and report on proposed reorganization plans. Inquiry as to whether U. S. Government has formulated any plan with regard to the Liberian situation. |
804 |
| Aug. 4 | To the Belgian Chargé Information concerning the McBride mission and advice that the U. S. Government does not contemplate any further action pending presentation of his report. |
805 |
| Oct. 3 | Report by Mr. Harry A. McBride, Special Assistant to
the Secretary of State, Upon Conditions in Liberia Résumé of the “Plan of the Liberian Government” which has been developed by President Barclay; comments on its weaknesses, and recommendations as to future U. S. policy concerning the matter; three letters of explanation from Liberian officials regarding the plan (texts printed). |
806 |
| 1934 Oct. 17 | To the British Ambassador Advice that the U. S. Government, after consideration of the McBride report, is prepared to cooperate with President Barclay in his proposals. |
825 |
| Nov. 9 (27) | To the Chargé in Liberia (tel.) Résumé of U. S. views as transmitted to the British Ambassador on October 17 and advice that similar replies have been made to French, German, and Italian inquiries. |
827 |
| Nov. 19 | To the Chargé in Liberia (tel.) From McBride for President Barclay: Suggestions concerning certain points in the Barclay plan and request for assurance of favorable action regarding them; advice that Firestone interests and the Department are prepared to cooperate upon receipt of these assurances. |
827 |
| Nov. 21 (54) | From the Chargé in Liberia (tel.) Conversation with President Barclay, who promised to give the McBride message careful consideration. |
829 |
| Dec. 13 (58) | From the Chargé in Liberia (tel.) Information concerning joint resolution passed by Liberian legislature providing blanket approval of the Barclay plan; opinion, however, that the resolution is weak and that the President will not follow out this Act any more actively than similar measures previously enacted. |
830 |
| Dec. 14 (59) | From the Chargé in Liberia (tel.) From President Barclay for McBride: Comments on the points raised in McBride’s message of November 19. Opinion that the President’s tone is less friendly than McBride s; advice that there appears to be no reason to change views reported in telegram No. 58, December 13. |
831 |
| Dec. 18 (60) | From the Chargé in Liberia (tel.) For McBride: Opinion that Barclay has misunderstood some of McBride’s suggestions, and inquiry as to whether further discussion with Barclay would clarify the situation. |
833 |
| Dec. 21 (31) | To the Chargé in Liberia (tel.) From McBride: Opinion that the Barclay reply was generally satisfactory; approval, however, of further discussion of certain points with Barclay. |
834 |
MOROCCO
Representations for the Protection of American Treaty Rights in the French and Spanish Zones of Morocco
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Feb. 28 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of
Western European Affairs Informal conversation with the First Secretary of the Italian Embassy concerning U. S. attitude toward recent statements of Mr. Henri Ponsot, Resident General of France in Morocco, in support of a revision of the Act of Algeciras. |
836 |
| 1934 Mar. 8 (923) | From the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier News report of statements made in the French Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs with respect to revision of Moroccan customs tariffs; willingness, if so instructed, to look into the various aspects of the question for Department’s guidance in case of eventual negotiations. |
837 |
| Apr. 16 (339) | From the Ambassador in Spain Spanish Government’s attitude toward question of increase of customs duties in Spanish Zone of Morocco. |
838 |
| May 9 (880) | From the Ambassador in France Foreign Office denial of any movement to increase Moroccan tariff rates and assurance that the French Government would officially communicate with all the treaty powers should such a step be envisaged. |
839 |
| May 31 (943) | From the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier Information concerning a Dahir dated March 31 imposing consumption taxes on imported wheat and flour in the Spanish Zone of Morocco; advice that protest has been lodged with Spanish colleague against violation of treaty principles. |
839 |
| June 7 (948) | From the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier Information concerning a Vizirial Decree dated July 31, 1933, modifying the tariff of Gate Taxes in the French Zone of Morocco on imported goods; reference to the various attempts of French authorities by irregular means to break down the regime of economic liberty in Morocco as laid down by the treaties. |
841 |
| July 24 (811) | To the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier Instructions to prepare a complete résumé of the treaty violations in Morocco for further consideration and possible submission to the Governments of France and Spain. |
843 |
| Aug. 3 (505) | To the Ambassador in Great
Britain Instructions to make discreet inquiries as to whether the French authorities have taken up with the British Government a proposal looking toward modification of the Customs Regime in Morocco through revision or abrogation of the Act of Algeciras. (Footnote: Similar instructions to the Embassies in Belgium and Italy on August 9.) |
844 |
| Aug. 17 (897) | From the Ambassador in Great
Britain Discussion with Foreign Office official, who said that a French proposal for quotas and increased tariffs in Morocco had been received, but that question of modification of Act of Algeciras, which would meet with British opposition, had not been raised. |
846 |
| Aug. 30 (682) | From the Chargé in Italy Résumé of statements made in reply to inquiries regarding French proposal looking toward revision of Customs Regime in Morocco. |
847 |
| Sept. 4 (246) | From the Ambassador in Belgium Information that the French Government has approached the Belgian Government informally concerning a modification of the Moroccan Customs Regime establishing a number of quotas in Morocco, which was not favorably received. |
849 |
| 1934 Sept. 6 (819) | To the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier Information concerning contents of despatch No. 897, August 17, from the Ambassador in Great Britain, and instructions to sound out the British representative at Tangier and report his views on the subject. |
850 |
| Oct. 13 | Memorandum by Mr. Hugh G. Grant of the Division of
Western European Affairs to the Under Secretary of
State Summary of French efforts to consolidate its position in the Protectorate of Morocco and to obtain surrender of the capitulatory rights held by the United States and Great Britain. |
850 |
| Oct. 23 | Memorandum by the Under Secretary of
State Conversation with the French Ambassador concerning the U. S. attitude toward abandonment of capitulatory rights in Morocco. |
852 |
| Nov. 5 (11) | From the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier (tel.) Request for instructions for guidance in interview with French Resident General at Rabat within next few days concerning treaty matters. |
853 |
| Nov. 6 (9) | To the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier (tel.) Instructions for guidance in interview with the French Resident General. |
853 |
| Nov. 9 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Conversation with the Netherland Chargé concerning the French Government’s request for a new commercial regime in Morocco; Netherland concurrence in U. S. opposition to the French proposal. |
855 |
| Nov. 9 (798) | From the Chargé in Italy Information that the Italian Government has officially replied to the French Government objecting to the establishment of import quotas affecting trade with Morocco as contrary to the provisions of the Customs Regime. |
855 |
| Nov. 11 (13) | From the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier (tel.) Request for Department’s approval of a tentative proposal regarding a quota system to be discussed at the forthcoming interview with the French Resident General at Rabat. |
856 |
| Nov. 13 (559) | From the Ambassador in Spain Résumé of conversation with the Italian Chargé concerning his Government’s protests against the commercial situation in the Spanish Zone of Morocco. |
857 |
| Nov. 14 (11) | To the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier (tel.) Department’s preference for a tariff increase, rather than proposed quota system, if it becomes necessary to agree to some modification of the present regime. |
859 |
| Nov. 14 (407) | To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Instructions to make further inquiries as to the British attitude toward the proposed new regime in Morocco including the surrender of capitulatory rights. |
860 |
| 1934 Nov. 16 (12) | To the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier (tel.) Supplementary instructions in connection with contents of telegram No. 11, November 14. |
860 |
| Nov. 20 (597) | From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) British views with regard to possible modification of the Customs Regime in French Morocco. |
861 |
| Nov. 23 (993) | From the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier Résumé of interview with French Resident General concerning the changes which the French Government desires to bring about. |
863 |
| Dec. 7 (997) | From the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier Information from reliable sources concerning Franco-British conversations relative to a revision of the economic regime in Morocco; advice that the British may accept a limited quota system. |
868 |
| Dec. 7 (13) | To the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier Instructions to ascertain whether any formal protests have been filed with Spanish authorities by the British, Italian, or other Governments concerning proposed institution of consumption taxes in the Spanish Zone of Morocco, and to report possible effects upon American trade. Request for views as to advisability of representations. |
868 |
| Dec. 8 (15) | From the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier (tel.) Advice that formal protests concerning consumption taxes in the Spanish Zone have been filed in Tetuan and Madrid by Italy and Great Britain, and in Tetuan by Netherlands and Belgium. Recommendation for direct representations to French Government on entire situation. |
869 |
| Dec. 14 (1002) | From the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier Digest of violations of the Moroccan treaties by the French Protectorate Government or authorities concerning which U. S. representations have been made to the French Resident General. |
870 |
| Dec. 15 (65) | To the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Instructions to make representations to the Spanish Government against the consumption tax on wheat and flour imports and certain other unfavorable conditions in Spanish Morocco; also, to inform the Spanish authorities of the U. S. attitude toward the French proposals, and to report Spanish attitude. |
874 |
| Dec. 17 (500) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Instructions to advise the Foreign Office that the U. S. Government will make representations concerning French proposals for a new customs regime in Morocco. |
875 |
| Dec. 18 (669) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Instructions for representations to the Foreign Office. |
876 |
| Dec. 18 (943) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Foreign Office official’s assurance that France had no desire to promulgate new customs regulations in Morocco in violation of treaties; information, however, that negotiations for modification of present regime are now in satisfactory progress with Great Britain and Spain and that the United States will be approached subsequently. |
879 |
| 1934 Dec. 20 (90) | From the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Request for clarification of instructions outlined in Department’s telegram No. 65, December 15; request that Blake, Diplomatic Agent at Tangier, be sent to Madrid to assist in negotiations. |
879 |
| Dec. 20 (66) | To the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Clarification of instructions as requested in telegram No. 90, December 20. |
880 |
| Dec. 20 (435) | To the Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Instructions to advise the Foreign Office of U. S. views and proposed representations to the French Government and to report British reaction. |
880 |
| Dec. 20 (1458) | From the Ambassador in France Foreign Office official’s desire that U. S. representations be conveyed by means of oral exchange of views rather than by a formal note. |
881 |
| Dec. 21 (633) | From the Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Report of British reaction toward U. S. proposed representations to the French Government. |
882 |
| Dec. 28 (91) | From the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Outline of note for presentation to the Foreign Office; reiteration of request for Blake’s presence in Madrid for assistance in negotiations. |
882 |
| Dec. 29 (68) | To the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Approval of note as outlined in telegram No. 91, December 28, and advice that Blake has been directed to proceed to Madrid. |
883 |
PERSIA
Preliminary Discussions Respecting a Trade Agreement Between the United States and Persia
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Nov. 8 (35) | To the Minister in Persia (tel.) Advice that the Department is prepared to enter into early negotiations with Persia envisaging the exchange of reciprocal concessions on Persian rugs and American automotive products if reasonably assured of prospects of rapid and satisfactory conclusion; instructions to discuss the foregoing with Persian authorities. |
884 |
| Nov. 20 | From the Persian Minister Opinion of the Persian Department of Commerce as to the possibility of negotiating a trade agreement; view, however, that U. S. automotive products already enjoy favorable treatment in Persia while Persian carpets are subject to heavy U. S. customs duty. |
885 |
| Nov. 28 (274) | From the Minister in Persia Advice that U. S. proposal for a reciprocal trade agreement is receiving careful attention by the Persian Government and that a reply may be expected in the near future. |
887 |
| 1934 Dec. 5 | To the Persian Minister Expression of difference with the views of the Persian Department of Commerce regarding the present treatment of the trade in carpets and automotive products. |
887 |
| Dec. 14 | From the Persian Minister Further explanation of the Persian view and advice that the U. S. views are being communicated to the Persian Department of Commerce with recommendations in favor of coming to a speedy agreement in the conclusion of a reciprocal commercial treaty. |
888 |
| Dec. 20 (46) | To the Minister in Persia (tel.) Instructions to inform the Persian Government, if deemed necessary, that any monopoly which discriminates between American automotive interests would probably render impracticable the proposed negotiations for a trade agreement. |
889 |
| Dec. 31 (70) | From the Minister in Persia (tel.) Advice to the Foreign Office that certain inquiries which it has made anticipate trade agreement negotiations, and that the question at present is whether the Persian Government is prepared to enter into the proposed negotiations. |
890 |
Persian Claims to Sovereignty in Bahrein
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 May 23 (18) | From the Minister in Persia (tel.) Transmittal of Persian note (text printed) protesting against reported oil concession transactions between the California Standard Oil Company and British interests in the Bahrein Islands. |
890 |
| June 15 (20) | To the Minister in Persia Advice that as a result of Department’s study of the situation, no reply will be made to the Persian note, text of which is being communicated to the British Government and to the Standard Oil Company. |
891 |
| June 15 (436) | To the Ambassador in Great
Britain Information concerning U. S. attitude on the Persian protest concerning Bahrein oil concession; instructions to deliver a copy of the Persian note to the British Government for its information, and to report any comments. |
892 |
TURKEY
Agreement Between the United States and Turkey for the Settlement of Claims, Signed October 25, 1934
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1933 Apr. 4 (93) | To the Chargé in Turkey Instructions to take up with the Turkish Government the question of arrangements for the settlement of claims of nationals of the United States and Turkey, preferably by means of the establishment of a claims commission provided for in the exchange of notes of 1923 and 1927. |
894 |
| 1934 May 3 (10) | From the Chargé in Turkey (tel.) Request for authorization to inform the Turkish Government concerning nature of claims and desired method of payment should questions arise during negotiations. |
898 |
| May 4 (18) | To the Chargé in Turkey (tel.) Information concerning nature of claims, and authorization to consider installment payments if deemed advantageous. |
898 |
| May 9 (12) | From the Chargé in Turkey (tel.) Favorable attitude of the Acting Foreign Minister toward lump sum payment, and advice that he will discuss the proposal with his colleagues. |
899 |
| May 10 (13) | From the Chargé in Turkey (tel.) Request of the Acting Foreign Minister for more detailed information concerning the claims. |
899 |
| May 22 (17) | From the Chargé in Turkey (tel.) Clarification of Foreign Office request regarding claims for the purpose of arriving at some considered judgment as to the U. S. lump sum proposal. |
900 |
| May 27 (5) | To the Chargé in Turkey (tel.) Advice that in view of incomplete development of list of claims, the Department considers it preferable to postpone discussions of lump sum payment until the list is completed and the Claims Committee meets in August. (Footnote: First meeting of the Claims Committee, August 15, 1933, at Istanbul.) |
901 |
| June 27 | From the Turkish Ministry for Foreign Affairs to the
American Embassy in Turkey Agreement to submit claims to the Mixed Commission under provisions of previous exchange of notes; declaration of intention, however, to exclude from the categories of American claimants individuals who at the time of the injury for which they claim reparations were, according to Turkish law, Ottoman subjects. |
901 |
| Nov. 21 (46) | From the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) Information that the Turkish Government will probably propose a lump sum settlement of $500,000. |
902 |
| Dec. 8 (63) | To the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) Advice that the Department will be unable to consider seriously the amount reported to be offered by the Turkish Government. |
902 |
| Undated (Rec’d Dec. 29) | The Turkish Counterproposal for a Lump Sum
Settlement of American Claims Against Turkey Comments on the lists of American claims, and offer to settle by lump sum payment of $500,000 spread over 10 annual installments. |
903 |
| Undated | Memorandum by the American Delegate to the
Turkish-American Claims Commission of a Conversation With the
Turkish Delegate on December 30, 1933 Discussion of the Turkish offer and U. S. rejection. |
905 |
| 1934 Jan. 13 (8) | To the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) Department’s view that the Claims Commission should proceed to consideration of the claims on their individual merits; proposal of a draft protocol or convention (text printed) to be concluded to facilitate the disposition of claims. |
906 |
| Jan. 23 (1) | From the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) Foreign Minister’s desire to submit a counterproposal for a protocol, and further suggestion that a better lump sum offer can be made after all claims have been submitted for examination. |
909 |
| Feb. 4 (118) | From the Ambassador in Turkey Discussion of the claims situation with the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs. |
909 |
| Feb. 8 (4) | From the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) Foreign Minister’s counterproposal (text printed) for resumption of work by the Claims Commission in order to examine the total list of claims and to propose by common accord of the two parties a lump sum settlement. |
910 |
| Feb. 10 (19) | To the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) U. S. concurrence in the procedure suggested in telegram No. 4, February 8. |
911 |
| Mar. 11 (13) | From the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) Note from Foreign Minister (text printed), advising that nationality question would be raised only in the event that procedure of individual settlement is adopted after failure to reach agreement on lump sum payment. |
911 |
| Mar. 23 (5) | To the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) Department’s view that Turkish reservation regarding nationality should be settled by the Commission before proceeding toward lump sum settlement inasmuch as the distribution of the final settlement will be affected by the classifications of claimants. |
912 |
| July 13 | To the American Commissioner on the Turkish-American
Claims Commission Résumé of Department’s understanding of the present situation and its views concerning possible future courses of action. |
913 |
| Aug. 17 | From the American Commissioner on the
Turkish-American Claims Commission Déclarations verbales, August 14 and 16 (texts printed), presented to Commission by the American Commissioner regarding analysis of figures and percentages of amounts claimed by Americans. |
918 |
| Aug. 28 | From the American Commissioner on the
Turkish-American Claims Commission Explanation concerning the status of the Smyrna fire cases of 1922. |
923 |
| 1934 Sept. 5 | From the American Commissioner on the
Turkish-American Claims Commission Report of developments in meeting, September 4, during which Turkish delegation assumed an uncompromising attitude toward further progress of work before the Commission. |
925 |
| Sept. 20 | From the American Commissioner on the
Turkish-American Claims Commission (tel.) Information concerning new offer by the Turkish Government of $1,200,000 payable in 12 annual installments; opinion that offer should be accepted. |
929 |
| Sept. 20 | To the Consul at Istanbul (tel.) For Nielsen (American Commissioner): Request for views concerning reasonable evaluation of the possibly good claims and estimate of fair settlement. |
930 |
| Sept. 21 | From the American Commissioner on the
Turkish-American Claims Commission Suggestion that authorization be given for acceptance of Turkish offer. |
930 |
| Sept. 22 | To the Consul at Istanbul (tel.) For Nielsen: Instructions concerning desired minor modifications in Turkish offer, but authorization to accept immediately if necessary. |
931 |
| Sept. 28 | From the Consul at Istanbul (tel.) From Nielsen: Acceptance of final Turkish offer of $1,300,000 payable in 13 years; comments concerning final drafting of contract. |
932 |
| Oct. 1 | To the Consul at Istanbul (tel.) For Nielsen: Expression of Department’s satisfaction concerning agreement and suggestion that Ambassador’s cooperation be sought in formulation of final contract before Commissioner’s departure from Istanbul. |
933 |
| Oct. 25 | Claims Agreement Between the United States of
America and Turkey Text signed at Ankara. |
933 |
| Dec. 24 (82) | From the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) Ratification of Claims Agreement by Grand National Assembly on December 23. |
935 |
Ratification of Extradition Treaty Between the United States and Turkey, Signed at Lausanne on August 6, 1923
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 July 3 (241) | To the Chargé in Turkey Instructions to ascertain whether the Turkish Government would be inclined to ratify the Extradition Treaty of Lausanne in the event that the U. S. Government also ratifies. |
935 |
| Dec. 5 | From the Chief of the Division of Near Eastern
Affairs to the Chief of the Treaty Division Record of conversation between the Ambassador in Turkey and Foreign Office officials, November 10 (text printed), concerning the extradition treaty; Foreign Office request for modifications of treaty text. |
935 |
| 1933 Apr. 17 | From the Counselor of Embassy in
Turkey Suggestion either that Lausanne Extradition Treaty be put forward again or a new text be presented to the Foreign Ministry for study and consideration. |
937 |
| May 6 (2) | To the Chargé in Turkey (tel.) Instructions to put forward the Lausanne Treaty. |
938 |
| June 12 (24) | From the Chargé in Turkey (tel.) Advice that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs favors ratification of Lausanne Treaty and will submit it to the Assembly next November. |
938 |
| 1934 Jan. 19 | To the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign
Relations Recommendation that consideration be given to the extradition treaties with Albania and Turkey with a view to advising and consenting to their ratification at an early date. |
938 |
| Feb. 9 (18) | To the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) Advice that the Senate consented to ratification of the Lausanne Treaty on February 5; instructions to report status of treaty in Turkey. |
939 |
| Feb. 13 (7) | From the Ambassador in Turkey (tel.) Advice that the treaty was presented to the National Assembly on November 25 and will be ratified during next session beginning March 1. |
939 |
Proposals for Improving Unsatisfactory Trade Relations With Turkey
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 Mar. 19 (177) | From the Ambassador in Turkey Informal discussions with Turkish authorities concerning the unsatisfactory state of Turkish-American commercial relations; suggestion that the Department authorize formal representations on the subject. |
940 |
| Apr. 28 (225) | From the Ambassador in Turkey Inquiry as to whether the Department would be disposed to propose to the Turkish Government the negotiation of a reciprocal commercial treaty. |
942 |
| May 9 (237) | From the Ambassador in Turkey Exchange of correspondence with the Counselor of Embassy, at present in Ankara, concerning Turkish-American commercial relations, May 8 and 9 (texts printed). |
943 |
| June 7 | To the Ambassador in Turkey Advice that instructions such as requested in Ambassador’s despatch No. 177, March 19, would involve a major decision in American commercial policy which has not yet been reached; instructions, however, to submit detailed recommendations to the Department. |
948 |
| June 28 | From the Ambassador in Turkey Information concerning the present situation in Turkey where there is now an opportunity for American firms to participate in the industrialization of the country. |
949 |
| 1934 July 14 (326) | From the Ambassador in Turkey Comments on interpretation of certain provisions of the present treaty with Turkey, and opinion that more faithful observance of the treaty is to be desired rather than negotiation of a new treaty. |
951 |
| July 27 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Near
Eastern Affairs Conversation with Ahmet Emin Bey, specialist in Near Eastern and Far Eastern trade matters and representative of certain American concerns in Turkey, with respect to Turkey’s industrialization and armament program in the light of its present budgetary situation. |
953 |
| Aug. 2 | To the Ambassador in Turkey Department’s views in connection with any possible proposals that the U. S. Government extend credit to American contractors and manufacturers to obtain business in Turkey; request for further views of the Ambassador. |
954 |
| Oct. 16 (398) | From the Ambassador in Turkey Information concerning a decree published in the Official Journal, October 1, indicating Foreign Office intention to direct Turkish purchases to countries having clearing agreements with Turkey to the exclusion of the United States, but utilizing American trade balances; advice that the Foreign Minister has been reminded that the discrimination now being practised is contrary to the spirit of Turkish-American commercial arrangements. |
956 |
| Oct. 18 | From the Ambassador in Turkey Further report on the legitimate business opportunities in Turkey and inquiry as to whether the Export Bank would be prepared to grant extended credits in order to enable American firms to compete with foreign interests in Turkey. |
958 |
| Oct. 31 (412) | From the Ambassador in Turkey Assurance from Turkish authorities that discrimination against the United States was not intentional and that steps would be taken to correct the situation. |
959 |
| Nov. 14 (434) | From the Ambassador in Turkey Clarification of a statement appearing in the American Year Book for 1933 with regard to Turkish-American trade. |
959 |
Application With Respect to Turkey of Policy of the United States Not To Encourage American Firms in the Sale Abroad of Arms and Munitions of War
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 May 22 (247) | From the Ambassador in Turkey Turkish anxiety due to indications of possible Italian expansion in Africa and Asia, and official decisions to strengthen the Turkish armed forces. |
960 |
| June 1 (270) | From the Ambassador in Turkey Statements made in the Grand National Assembly, May 30 (texts printed), concerning necessity for Turkish preparedness in view of the general situation in Europe. |
962 |
| 1934 June 13 (282) | From the Ambassador in Turkey Information concerning Turkish plans for the purchase of equipment for a motorized army. |
964 |
| Sept. 26 | From the President of the Jones & Lamson Machine
Co. Report of endeavor to obtain from the Turkish Government orders for machinery and equipment; request for a favorable ruling on questions of policy, inasmuch as the Export-Import Bank is unwilling to give assurances of financial assistance without the Department’s approval. |
965 |
| Oct. 1 | To the Special Adviser to the President on Foreign
Trade Opinion that it would be contrary to the policy of the United States for any public agency to finance or otherwise encourage the exportation of machinery which the Jones and Lamson Machine Co. proposes to make to Turkey. |
967 |
| Oct. 9 | From the Special Adviser to the President on Foreign
Trade Advice that the Export-Import Bank will refrain from participating in any financing which may be involved in the proposed transaction of the Jones and Lamson Machine Co. |
968 |
| Oct. 24 | To the American Institute of Steel Construction,
Inc. Information, in reply to company’s communication transmitting an inquiry from a Turkish dealer, as to U. S. policy respecting the exportation of arms or munitions of war. |
968 |
| Nov. 5 (419) | From the Ambassador in Turkey Suggestion that, in view of numerous inquiries that may be expected, the Department define its policy with precision concerning the sale of certain articles which may or may not be used for war purposes. |
969 |
| Dec. 13 (147) | To the Ambassador in Turkey Explanation of Department’s policy in the past, and discussion of the general situation relative to definition of the terms arms and munitions. |
970 |
Reports of Turkey’s Desire To Secure Revision of the Regime of the Strait’s; Consideration of Possible Agreement With Turkey Regarding American Navigation Rights
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1934 June 12 (279) | From the Ambassador in Turkey Recent statements of the Turkish Foreign Minister indicating that Turkey does not contemplate seeking modification of the Straits regime as previously reported at Geneva during the session of the League of Nations. |
971 |
| June 29 (454) | To the Ambassador in Great
Britain Instructions to ascertain what action, if any, the Turkish authorities may have taken vis-à-vis the British Government looking toward a revision of the Straits Convention in view of a press report that Turkey was seeking permission to construct fortifications in the Dardanelles. (Footnote: The same instructions, mutatis mutandis, to the Ambassadors in France, Japan, and Italy, and to the Consul at Geneva.) |
973 |
| 1934 June 29 (87) | To the Ambassador in Turkey Instructions similar to those sent to the British Ambassador (supra); request for views as to the desirability of proposing to the Turkish Government at this time the negotiation of an agreement covering the rights of the United States in the navigation of the Straits. |
973 |
| July 10 (1037) | From the Chargé in France French assurance of opposition to any revision of the Straits Convention, and information that the Turkish Government has been so advised at various times when approaching the French Government. |
974 |
| July 12 (607) | From the Ambassador in Italy Information that apparently the Turkish Government has not approached the Italian Government with respect to a revision of the Straits Convention. |
975 |
| July 12 (956 Pol.) | From the Consul at Geneva Information that the question of the Straits regime has not come before the League directly but has been discussed in the General Disarmament Conference; résumé of developments in this connection. |
976 |
| July 13 (824) | From the Ambassador in Great Britain Advice that no recent approach has been made by the Turkish Government to the British Government concerning the Straits question. |
979 |
| July 20 (334) | From the Ambassador in Turkey Concurrence in the Department’s opinion that it would be desirable to propose to the Turkish Government the negotiation of a treaty covering U. S. rights in the navigation of the Straits. |
980 |
| Aug. 23 (673) | From the Chargé in Italy Advice that upon inquiry as to Italy’s attitude toward the Turkish question, an official of the Foreign Office indicated Italian preference for Turkish control of the Straits. |
981 |
| Aug. 24 (940) | From the Ambassador in Japan Conversation with a Foreign Office official, who said that Japan had not been approached by Turkey concerning the Straits and could not predict Japanese attitude should the question arise later. |
982 |
| Sept. 10 (119) | To the Ambassador in Turkey Request for the Ambassador’s views as to whether the Turkish Government would be willing to negotiate a navigation agreement with the United States at a time when it is presumably giving consideration to the abrogation of the Straits Convention. |
983 |
| Oct. 23 | To the Counselor of Embassy in
Turkey Advice that negotiation of consular convention and naturalization treaty now depends on satisfactory solution of the Straits problem; request for views as to whether Turkey might be willing to enter into an exchange of notes guaranteeing American liberty of navigation and passage in the Straits. |
983 |
| 1934 Oct. 29 (411) | From the Ambassador in Turkey Turkey’s willingness to negotiate a separate straits convention with the United States, provided the United States would assume the same responsibilities for the defense of the Straits as the signatory powers of the Straits Convention; Ambassador’s opinion that article 18 of the Convention would prevent such a possibility in the case of the United States. |
984 |
| Dec. 4 (1110 Pol.) | From the Consul at Geneva Information on the Commission established by the Straits Convention and its relation to the League of Nations. |
985 |