811.512351 Double/418: Telegram

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

286. The Foreign Office has informally advised the Embassy this afternoon that it has received a note from the Ministry of Finance to the effect that the latter is prepared to open formal negotiations for an addendum to the double taxation convention of 193273 or for a replace convention any time from March 1 on. The French would prefer to hold the negotiations in Paris and to take up then discussion of the United States proposals which were transmitted as enclosures to the Department’s instruction No. 249 of April 24, 1937.74 They are apparently not prepared to comment on or make counter-propositions on the basis of our 1937 proposals prior to the suggested negotiations in Paris.

In my yesterday’s conversation with Reynaud75 I emphasized the importance of the early negotiation of the addendum should he take a personal interest in the matter.

Might I suggest that the present is an opportune moment for the negotiation of this addendum and that it is desirable for representatives of the United States Government who may be designated for the purpose to be sent to Paris early in March.

I shall appreciate the Department’s telegraphic reply in order that I may appropriately inform the French.

Bullitt
  1. Signed April 27, 1932, ibid., 1932, vol. ii, p. 268.
  2. Ibid., 1937, vol. ii, p. 286.
  3. Paul Reynaud, French Minister of Finance.