611.9131/251
The Iranian Ministry for Foreign Affairs to the American Legation in Iran 12
Note Verbale
The Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents its compliments to the Legation of the United States of America and has the honor to state that as the Legation is aware the Trade Agreement between Iran and the United States13 was voted by the National Consultative Assembly and it will be exchanged and put into effect after the remaining formalities have been performed. The Legation will, of course, agree that the common purpose of both Governments in concluding the Agreement to promote trade between the two countries necessitates that appropriate decisions be taken and arrangements made now [Page 498] to the end that the Agreement may be enforced in its true sense. Towards this end it appears that it will not be possible to make use of the advantages and privileges granted thereunder unless an arrangement is made primarily with regard to the means of transportation of goods. Last year a large quantity of Iranian goods, especially carpets, was left accumulated in the southern seaports waiting for transportation. If it was not for the Legation’s assistance some goods might have deteriorated. Furthermore, if the Iran Carpet Corporation, which manufactures and exports rugs desirable in the American market, as well as other Iranian exporters find out that their shipments would not meet with difficulties, they would thus be encouraged and enabled to prepare the needed goods for transportation. Now that the Agreement has been voted and trade between Iran and the United States will be carried on a fixed basis, the interested authorities and exporting merchants expect the Legation and the authorities concerned to afford the necessary facilities especially in connection with the means of transport. It goes without saying that war conditions and large army shipments create hindrances or difficulties in the matter of trade and transportation of commercial shipments. However, if an arrangement is made that commercial vessels carrying American goods when unloading their cargo in Iranian borders would take Iranian goods including carpets, it is certain that the trade deadlock would thus be alleviated and the ground paved for the days of improved trade conditions and for the promotion of commerce. The Legation’s courtesy will be greatly appreciated in kindly inviting the attention of the appropriate authorities to this matter and informing the Minister of the result.