Current Economic Developments, Lot 70D467

Extract From Bulletin No. 165, August 23, 1948

confidential

Treaty Program Moves Forward

Since the first, of the year we have moved forward in our program for the modernization and extension of our commercial treaty structure by initiating negotiations for treaties of friendship, commerce and navigation with Australia, France and Ireland. In addition, draft treaties have recently been presented to India, Iran, the Netherlands New Zealand, Pakistan and the Union of South Africa. We have forwarded to Embassy Brussels a draft treaty to be discussed with Belgium and are planning presentation of proposals to the Colombians who have indicated that they wish to conclude a treaty with us. We are also considering presentation of proposals to Uruguay.

The treaties with Italy and China, negotiation of which was concluded some time ago, are awaiting exchange of ratifications. (See page 16, January 19, 1948 issue of Current Economic Developments.2) The Lebanese government continues to withhold signature of the treaty, negotiation of which was concluded last year.

Negotiations with the Philippines, which have reached an advanced stage, are being delayed by the serious problems which have arisen in the form of concessions requested by the Philippines. The Czech negotiations, which had been initiated in 1947, were dropped following the Communist coup. Although we presented draft treaties during 1946 and 1947 to Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Egypt and the UK, negotiations have not yet been undertaken with these countries.

  1. Not printed.