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STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE REGARDING BOLSHEVIK AIMS AND POLICIES IN MEXICO AND LATIN AMERICA

Date and number

1927

Subject

Page

Jan. 12

Statement Left by the Secretary of State With the Senate Com-
mittee on Foreign Relations

356

Discussion of Bolshevik anti-American activity in Mexico and Latin America, as evidenced in party resolutions and publications (excerpts printed).

(Footnote: Information that copies of the statement were transmitted to diplomatic officers in Latin America in a circular instruction, January 27.)

REPRESENTATION OF THE UNITED STATES AT THE MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF JURISTS, HELD AT RIO DE JANEIRO, APRIL 18-MAY 20, 1927

1927 Mar. 15

May 11 (17)

May 12 (22)

May 13 (18)

May 14 (24)

To Dr. James Brown Scott

General instructions with regard to duties as a U. S. delegate to the International Commission of Jurists which will meet in Rio de Janeiro in April to study the codification of American public and private international law.

(Footnote: Information that an identical instruction was
addressed to the other American delegate, Dr. Jesse S. Reeves.)
To the Ambassador in Brazil (tel.)

Instructions to ascertain whether Dr. Scott is accurately
quoted in press report from Rio de Janeiro (text printed) which
states that he announced to Conference that U. S. Secretary of
State would propose a convention creating an inter-American
arbitration tribunal for the settlement of questions otherwise
insoluble; information that the Secretary does not wish to make
such a recommendation on his own initiative at this time, and
that his instructions to the delegates requested that they take
no position on any question which might be construed as com-
mitting the U. S. Government in any way whatsoever.
From the Ambassador in Brazil (tel.)

Communication from Messrs. Scott and Reeves, stating that
while they have given notice of intention to introduce a plan
for "arbitrary settlement based wholly on convention of Febru-
ary 7, 1923, establishing a Central American tribunal," they
have not yet done so, but intend to introduce plan in forthcom-
ing plenary session, having already arranged with Commis-
sion's President that neither discussion nor vote will take place,
except possible reference to Sixth Pan American Conference.
To the Ambassador in Brazil (tel.)

Communication for Messrs. Scott and Reeves (text printed), instructing them to refrain from introducing the plan for the reason that U. S. Government would be involved in an implied commitment to a plan which it has had no opportunity to examine and would thereby be limited in its freedom of action at the forthcoming Pan American Conference.

From the Ambassador in Brazil (tel.)

Communication from Messrs. Scott and Reeves (text printed), stating compliance with Department's telegram of May 13.

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REPRESENTATION OF THE UNITED STATES AT THE MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF JURISTS, HELD AT RIO DE JANEIRO, APRIL 18-MAY 20, 1927Continued

Date and number

1927

June 10

Subject

From the Delegates of the United States to the International Com-
mission of Jurists

Report on procedure and labors of Commission, resulting in a
recommendation for 12 projects of public international law and
a convention of private international law to be transmitted to
the next Pan American Conference; annexed statements by
Dr. Scott, to plenary session, May 6, of intention to propose
establishment of a Permanent Inter-American Arbitration
Tribunal, and to subcommission on public international law,
May 19, of decision not to present question (texts printed).

Page

369

REPLY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE TO QUESTIONNAIRES ON INTERNATIONAL LAW SUBMITTED BY THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS

1927 Aug. 17 (489)

Dec. 16

Dec. 16 (99)

From the British Ambassador

Information that British Government, in reply to a League circular letter of June 7 (excerpt printed), has stated that the proposed revision of classification of diplomatic agents is not considered desirable; belief that U. S. Government will reply in like terms.

To the British Ambassador

Advice that the U. S. Government concurs in British view and will inform the League of its disapproval of the proposed revision.

To the Minister in Switzerland (tel.)

Communication for Secretary General of the League (text printed), disapproving proposals for (1) convention for communication of judicial and extrajudicial acts in penal matters and letters rogatory in penal matters, (2) convention to define legal position and functions of consuls, and (3) revision of classification of diplomatic agents, but approving proposal for a convention concerning competence of the courts in regard to foreign states.

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OPINION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE ON STATUS OF LEAGUE OF NATIONS OFFICIALS IN THE UNITED STATES

1927

Sept. 28

From the Acting Counselor of the British Embassy to the Chief of
the Division of Western European Affairs

413

Nov. 7

Inquiry as to privileges accorded to officials of the League of
Nations in the United States; understanding that in some
instances diplomatic visas are granted.

From the Chief of the Division of Western European Affairs to the
Acting Counselor of the British Embassy

Information that a League official would customarily be
given a diplomatic visa on the basis of his diplomatic passport,
but that no assurance can be given that such a visa would
entitle the holder to the privileges and immunities conferred
upon diplomatic officers of foreign missions by U. S. law.

414

EXEMPTIONS FROM TAXATION AND CUSTOMS DUTIES ENJOYED BY FOREIGN DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR OFFICERS IN THE UNITED STATES

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Information concerning exemptions from taxation and customs duties enjoyed by foreign diplomatic and consular officers in the United States.

RIGHT OF FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS TO ACQUIRE, WITHOUT RESTRICTION, PROPERTY FOR EMBASSY OR LEGATION PURPOSES IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

1927 Jan. 14 (1332)

From the Egyptian Chargé

417

Request for information as to whether U. S. laws restrict in any way the right of foreign governments to own property.

Jan. 25

To the Egyptian Chargé

Information that U. S. Government places no restrictions on the owning of property by foreign governments for Embassy or Legation purposes in the District of Columbia, and that it is exempt from general and special taxes or assessments, but that there are certain other expenses incident to the property, not in the nature of the tax, which must be paid.

417

SUITS AGAINST UNITED STATES SHIPPING BOARD VESSELS IN FOREIGN COURTS

1927

Aug. 30| To Diplomatic and Consular Officers

(Dip. Ser. 650, G. I. Cons. 1053)

Instructions to amend previous instructions concerning suits in foreign courts against Shipping Board vessels, in view of pertinent Supreme Court decision of June 7, 1926; instructions, however, that decision does not change the Department's general policy of refraining from claiming immunity in foreign courts for U. S. Shipping Board vessels, and that no request for immunity should be made unless the Department specifically instructs that such action be taken in a particular instance.

418

RULES OF PRECEDENCE As Between CERTAIN OFFICERS OF THE UNITED STATES

1927

Aug. 10

Executive Order No. 4705

Prescribing rules of precedence as between (1) Ambassadors, Ministers, and Foreign Service officers of the United States, (2) U. S. Army officers, (3) U. S. Navy and Marine officers, and (4) U. S. Foreign Commerce officers.

419

ARGENTINA

PROPOSED TREATY OF FRIENDSHIP, COMMERCE and Consular Rights BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND ARGENTINA

Date and

number

Subject

Page

1927 Sept. 20 (18)

From the Ambassador in Argentina

Unwillingness of Argentina to conclude at the present time a treaty containing an unconditional most-favored-nation clause, as evidenced in Foreign Minister's note of September 8 (text printed), which requests U. S. views concerning the signing of a protocol (text printed) which would provide for denunciation, upon 6 months' notice, of the U. S.-Argentine commercial treaty of July 27, 1853.

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EFFORTS TO SECURE FOR AMERICAN FIRMS EQUAL CONSIDERATION WITH OTHER FOREIGN COMPANIES IN BIDS FOR ARGENTINE NAVAL CONSTRUCTION

1926 May 21 (39)

Sept. 9 (36)

Sept. 11 (63)

Oct. 18 (41)

Oct. 19 (76)

Oct. 19 (77)

From the Ambassador in Argentina (tel.)

Information that Argentina contemplates construction of several naval vessels, that U. S. naval attaché is following developments closely, and that Embassy is according all proper assistance to Fore River Shipbuilding Corporation's representative in the matter.

To the Ambassador in Argentina (tel.)

Instructions, in view of reports of strong foreign competition for submarine contracts, to request appropriate authorities to grant an equal opportunity for American firms to compete for the business.

From the Ambassador in Argentina (tel.)

Indications that Italy is pressing efforts to have the submarines built in that country; Argentine Foreign Minister's assurance that American bids will receive equal consideration with those of other foreign firms; intention of U. S. naval attaché to take appropriate action with the Ministry of Marine.

To the Ambassador in Argentina (tel.)

Understanding that Argentine Government is ready to award contracts for destroyers, submarines, and cruisers; that it is carrying on business with France, Great Britain, and Italy, exclusively; and that it does not intend to give Bethlehem Steel Co. or other American shipbuilders an opportunity to bid. Instructions to make informal but emphatic representations against the discrimination.

From the Ambassador in Argentina (tel.)

Information from Minister of Marine that American shipbuilders such as Fore River and Cramps are being asked for bids; intention of Ambassador to discuss Bethlehem Steel Co. matter with Foreign Minister.

From the Ambassador in Argentina (tel.)

Decision of Ambassador not to make further representations, unless so instructed by Department, because of information from Minister of Marine showing that American shipbuilders have submitted bids and that the Argentine mission in the United States has recently been instructed to request bids from the Bethlehem Steel Co.

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EFFORTS TO SECURE FOR AMERICAN FIRMS EQUAL CONSIDERATION WITH OTHER FOREIGN COMPANIES IN BIDS FOR ARGENTINE NAVAL CONSTRUCTIONContinued

Date and number

Subject

Page

1927

Jan. 7

Jan. 14

Mar. 1 (9)

Mar. 9 (11)

Mar. 10 (27)

Apr. 7 (261)

Apr. 15 (38)

Memorandum by the Economic Adviser of a Conversation With
Mr. Hugh Knowlton of the International Acceptance Bank
Inquiry by American bankers as to whether Department
would object to a proposed loan to Argentina for the financing
of her naval construction program; bankers' willingness to
stipulate that American firms have the fullest and freest
opportunity to bid.

Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State of a Telephone
Conversation With Mr. Hugh Knowlton of the International
Acceptance Bank

Information that Assistant Secretary told Mr. Knowlton
that Department will not object to proposed loan if bankers
will put in writing their stipulation as to American opportunity
to bid; bankers' reply that they had not been able to obtain
such assurance, but that further inquiry will be made in the
event there has been a misunderstanding.

To the Chargé in Argentina (tel.)

Opinion of Bethlehem Steel Co. that for political reasons the naval contracts will be divided among France, Great Britain, and Italy, even though the British and French bids, like the Bethlehem bids, are higher than the Italian bids; and that it still seems to be the intention to float the loan in the United States. Instructions to express to Foreign Minister the hope that an equitable share of the business will be given to American firms and to add that proposed loan flotation will be difficult unless a fair share of construction is placed in the United States.

To the Chargé in Argentina (tel.)

Instructions to advise present status of matter.
From the Chargé in Argentina (tel.)

Representations to Foreign Minister as instructed in De-
partment's telegram No. 9, March 1; advice that no contract
has yet been signed; opinion that, as Argentine Government
has been informed as to U. S. attitude, no further steps can be
taken at present.

From the Chargé in Argentina

Information that one of the primary reasons for Bethlehem Co.'s failure to reach understanding with Argentine Government is the high cost of manufacture in the United States; that Electric Boat Co. is in a stronger position than Bethlehem because an Argentine commission had previously recommended adoption of Holland type of submarine; advice from Foreign Minister that the matter now rests entirely with the President and Minister of Marine.

From the Chargé in Argentina (tel.)

Advice that no contracts have been signed as yet, but that the awards for submarines will probably go to France, sloops and flotilla leaders to Great Britain, and cruisers to Italy; Chargé's comment to Foreign Under Secretary that proposed submarine award would be contrary to Argentine commission's recommendation; information that the loan may possibly be handled by British bankers if their terms are almost as favorable as the American terms.

258346-42-vol. I- 5

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