711.632/39: Telegram
The Minister in Austria (Washburn) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:18 p.m.]
18. (1) Department’s telegram 20, March 17, 5 p.m. Revised draft of article 7 as authorized by Department and as incorporated in red ink modifications in Department’s instruction number 662 of March 22nd98 finally accepted by Austrian Government.
[Page 992](2) Department’s telegram 24, April 16 [12], 6 P.M. It would seem to me that the provision for “(b) a Chamber of Commerce” in the Department’s proposed substitute would obligate Austrian Government to accept certificates issued by American Chambers of Commerce, though, as the Department states, such chambers are without official relation to the Federal Government. In view of minor role played by Chambers of Commerce in Austria, as explained on page two of my despatch number 1554, October 4th last, I would suggest striking out this sub-clause (b) above quoted though Austrian negotiators will agree to its retention if the Department desires. So far as Austrian Government is concerned, a Chamber of Commerce would come within the meaning of any recognized trade or commercial association provided for in sub-clause (c).
(3) Duration and termination of treaty. Termination of eight years authorized by Department’s telegram 15, September 13th, 1927, result of conferences last summer. For reasons explained on page 15 of my despatch 1468, July 11th last, Austrian Government does not desire to commit itself beyond first half of 1935. It would agree to a possible definite date termination at latest July 1st, 1935. Otherwise it desires a term of six years instead of eight, inasmuch as it figures that an exchange of ratifications cannot occur for approximately another year since Senate’s approval at earliest cannot be expected until next winter or spring.
(4) If Department can conveniently, speedily instruct on minor points raised in two and three, our task will be finished and the treaty can be signed in May.
- Instruction not printed.↩