621.2231/11–1344: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Colombia (Daniels)

1322. This Government will consent by means of formal exchange of notes to waiving most-favored-nation rights in respect of the exclusive preferences granted to Ecuador by Colombia in the commercial treaty between the two countries on the basis of the formula for tariff preferences recommended by the Inter-American Financial and Economic Advisory Committee.76 Draft exchange of notes being prepared here will be forwarded as soon as possible.77

The Embassy should make clear to the Colombian authorities, however, preferably in a memorandum, this Government’s views regarding the formula. It was adopted at a time when there were very unusual trading conditions caused by the war, many normal markets were closed and neighboring countries perforce had to seek increased trade relations with each other. This Government therefore agreed to the formula but placed great importance on the three qualifications,78 particularly the final one. In view of these circumstances this Government does not desire at this time to make the general commitment requested in the Foreign Minister’s memorandum referred to in the Embassy’s telegram 1189 [1889] of November 13, and despatch 4683 of November 2.

The Department would prefer that the proposed notes not be exchanged with the Colombian Government until the treaty has actually been ratified or unless the Embassy feels certain that the treaty will be ratified by the Colombian Congress in the relatively near future.

Our Embassy at Quito is being notified of the Colombian request, and when agreement has been reached regarding a proposed exchange of notes with the Ecuadoran Government, you will be given full details.

[Page 830]

For his information you may inform the Foreign Minister that our exchanges of notes with Haiti and the Dominican Republic covering the Haitian-Dominican treaty80 are no longer in effect, having been canceled by additional exchanges of notes81 following termination of that treaty.

Stettinius
  1. The resolution recommended that through trade agreements, the resolution of the Seventh International Conference of American States to the effect that the American countries grant special reciprocal treatment to the coterminous countries be made effective. For texts of these resolutions, see Inter-American Financial and Economic Advisory Committee, Handbook of Its Organization and Activities, 1939–1948, pp. 61–62.
  2. See second paragraph of instruction printed infra.
  3. See quoted portion of Draft Memorandum, p. 832.
  4. Treaty of August 26, 1941, British and Foreign State Papers, vol. cxliv, p. 754.
  5. Not printed.