711.11B2/3–1546: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Manila (Steintorf)
485. Bell Bill provides for executive agreement which would govern trade relations during interim free trade period and period of declining preferences. Draft treaty of establishment, commerce and navigation, copy of which given you by White,21 would cover on reciprocal basis continuing relations and would be similar to such treaties with other independent countries. Inconsistencies between draft commercial treaty and Bell Bill provisions cannot be satisfactorily resolved until bill is passed in final form. Such inconsistencies can probably be resolved in protocol of commercial treaty.
In addition, Dept now drafting treaty of general relations which would cover various special problems arising from change in political status of Philippines. Please advise urgently what specific problems arising from unique position of Philippines (urtel 396, Mar 15) you think should be included.
Dept also drafting consular convention, extradition treaty, treaty with respect to military bases, arbitration treaty, conciliation treaty, double taxation conventions and aviation agreement. Manpower shortage probably will preclude sending team of specialists to Philippines, but Dept considering feasibility sending one treaty specialist.
- C. Thayer White, Far and Middle Eastern Branch, Division of Commercial Policy.↩