711.569/21
The Netherland Minister (De Graeff) to the Secretary of State
Sir: In connection with the signing today of a convention pertaining to avoid difficulties which might arise between our two Governments in connection with the laws in force in the United States on the subject of alcoholic beverages and in pursuance of our previous correspondence on the subject, I have the honor to inform you that the Royal Government understands that in the event of the adhesion by the United States to the Protocol of December 16, 1920 under which the Permanent Court of International Justice has been created at The Hague,74 the Government of the United States will not be averse to considering a modification of the said Convention, or the making of a separate agreement, providing that claims as mentioned in Article IV of that Convention, which cannot be settled in the way as indicated in the first paragraph of that article, shall be referred to the Permanent Court of International Justice instead of the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
[Page 211]I shall be glad to have you confirm this understanding on behalf of your Government.
Accept [etc.]