711.90H/37: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France ( Straus )

425. Your 863, October 7, 6.00 p.m. As stated in Department’s 209, June 5, 5.00 p.m., it is the policy of this Government to conclude commercial agreements providing for most-favored-nation treatment. Unless this principle is concurred in by Afghanistan, the Department would not feel in a position to recommend acceptance of the agreement. Provided unconditional most-favored-nation treatment is assured, Department is not greatly concerned about the form or language of the provision. It would seem to be possible to omit the words “immediately and unconditionally” and still achieve the result.

If the Afghan Minister understands this and accepts fully the principle of unconditional most-favored-nation treatment, Department will be glad to submit new language calculated to accomplish this purpose.

Hull