711.452/12
The Secretary of State to the British Chargé (Mallet)
Sir: I have received your note of December 30, 1938, conveying the acceptance by the Indian Government of this Government’s proposal [Page 352] of May 12, 1938, for the negotiation of a treaty of commerce and navigation between the United States and India which would provide inter alia for the right of business men and merchants of each country to enter, travel and reside in the territories of the other for the purpose of carrying on international trade between the two countries. I note that the Government of India is agreeable to the suggestion that the draft of such a treaty be prepared by this Government.
I have directed that the preparation of such a draft be undertaken, following the completion of which a further communication on the subject will be addressed to you.
Accept [etc.]