811.512351 Double/287: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Straus)
141. In your cable No. 48, January 20, 1936,45 you stated Embassy had been informed that no set form for declaration by American corporations would be established but that issuance regulations better be awaited. Regulations are long and complex and have reached American corporations in United States 4 months after coming into force of convention. Less than 2 months are left for study by legal experts both here and in France before final date for declaration called for under Article 6 of convention. Will Hays,46 on behalf of motion picture industry, has asked that Department seek to obtain agreement of French Government to a 3 months extension of the time [Page 107] allowed for the filing of declaration, making September 30 rather than June 30 the final date.
Unless you perceive serious objection to such course please bring foregoing general considerations to the attention of Minister of Foreign Affairs and ask that the time limit of 6 months within which American corporations could declare their wish to be placed under the regime of the convention be extended by 3 months, making September 30 rather than June 30 the final date. This agreement should be effected by formal exchange of notes supplemented presumably by a Ministerial decree.
Matter is of great importance to numerous American interests involved, and I am sure French authorities will appreciate equity of request in view of delay in issuance of regulations, a study of which is essential for determination whether corporations should place themselves under regime of convention.