763.72113/2745: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Bullitt)
279. Your despatch No. 1828, March 2, 1938, sequestration claims.
You are authorized to address a note to the Foreign Office stating that the arrangement set forth by the French Government in its note of February 22, 1938, is acceptable to this Government with the understanding (1) that the claims mentioned in paragraph 1, page 4 of the translation,3 refer only to debt claims, and the restrictions mentioned apply to debt claims of every nature whether secured or unsecured, and (2) that the reference to the date of October 6, 1917 in paragraph 6, page 5 of the translation,4 relates to French claims other than debt claims and merely indicates our willingness to consider claims other than debt claims arising after October 6 without committing us to their allowance, which in all cases must be controlled by the applicable provisions of law.
A note from the Foreign Office concurring in the understanding stated above and expressing its readiness to proceed with the release of the property of American nationals, or the proceeds thereof, will be regarded as a consummation of the arrangement.
Please advise Department of date on which the arrangement comes into force. A list of the French claims5 is being sent under separate cover.