711.452/43
Memorandum of Conversation, by Mr. W. L. Parker of the Division of Near Eastern Affairs
| Participants: | Sir Firoz Khan Noon, High Commissioner of the Government of India at London, |
| Mr. Mather, of the High Commissioner’s Office. | |
| Mr. Alling42 | |
| Mr. Turkel43 | |
| Mr. Parker |
Sir Firoz Khan Noon, accompanied by Mr. Mather, called again this morning at the Division of Near Eastern Affairs to discuss matters pertaining to the proposed treaty between India and the United States. Sir Firoz stated that the Government of India desires that the limitrophe countries, Iran, Afghanistan, and Nepal be outside the purview of the treaty because of the special position which they occupy in relation to India. He was informed that no objection was perceived to this proposal.
There was also discussed the question of inclusion in the treaty of a provision according American nationals and corporations the same rights and privileges in the exploitation of mineral resources as those of other nations, particularly the United Kingdom. Sir Firoz was informed that the Department still desires the inclusion of such a provision, and Sir Firoz stated that he would take the matter up with his Government. A discussion then ensued as to whether this provision, as well as certain other provisions in the treaty, should be upon a “reciprocal” or “most-favored-nation” basis. Sir Firoz was inclined to favor the “reciprocal” point of view; whereas the Department prefers a “most-favored-nation” basis.
At the conclusion of the conference it appeared that substantial agreement had been reached in regard to most matters involved in the treaty and that remaining controversial problems were capable of solution. Just prior to his departure Sir Firoz indicated that he considered it probable that agreement on all points could be reached eventually and that prospects are good for the conclusion of a treaty embodying substantially the provisions desired by the Department.