STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE REGARDING BOLSHEVIK AIMS AND

POLICIES IN MEXICO AND LATIN AMERICA

Date and number

Subject

Page

1927 Jan. 12

356

Statement Left by the Secretary of State With the Senate Com

mittee on Foreign Relations
Discussion of Bolshevik anti-American activity in Mexico
and Latin America, as evidenced in party resolutions and pub-
lications (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

364

367

May 11

(17)

368

May 12

(22)

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.

369

May 13

(18)

369

May 14

(24)

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

Subject

Page

1927 June 10

369

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).

REPLY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE TO QUESTIONNAIRES ON INTERNATIONAL

LAW SUBMITTED BY THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS

1927 Aug. 17

(489)

410

Dec. 16

411

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 com-
munication 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 con ning competence of the courts in regard to
foreign states.

411

Dec. 16

(99)

OPINION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE ON STATUS OF LEAGUE OF NATIONS

OFFICIALS IN THE UNITED STATES

1927 Sept. 28

413

Nov. 7

From the Acting Counselor of the British Embassy to the Chief of

the Division of Western European Affairs
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

Date and
Bumber

Subject

Page

1927 Jan. 22

414

To the Irish Minister

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, PROP

ERTY FOR EMBASSY OR LEGATION PURPOSES IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

1927 Jan. 14 (1332)

417

Jan. 25

417

From the Egyptian Chargé

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

Suits AGAINST UNITED STATES SHIPPING BOARD VESSELS IN FOREIGN COURTS

418

1927 Aug. 30 To Diplomatic and Consular Officers

(Dip. Instructions to amend previous instructions concerning suits Ser. 650, in foreign courts against Shipping Board vessels, in view of

G. I. pertinent Supreme Court decision of June 7, 1926; instructions,
Cons. however, that decision does not change the Department's
1053) 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 spe-
cifically instructs that such action be taken in a particular
instance.

RULES OF PRECEDENCE AS BETWEEN CERTAIN OFFICERS OF THE UNITED STATES

419

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.

ARGENTINA PROPOSED TREATY OF FRIENDSHIP, COMMERCE AND CONSULAR RIGHTS BETWEEN

THE UNITED STATES AND ARGENTINA

Date and number

Subject

Page

421

1927
Sept. 20 From the Ambassador in Argentina
(18) 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.

EFFORTS TO SECURE FOR AMERICAN FIRMS EQUAL CONSIDERATION WITH OTHER

FOREIGN COMPANIES IN BIDS FOR ARGENTINE NAVAL CONSTRUCTION

1926 May 21

(39)

424

424

pt. 9 (36)

425

Sept. 11

(63)

From the Ambassador in Argentina (tel.)

Information that Argentina contemplates construction of
several naval vessels, that U. S. naval attaché is following de-
velopments closely, and that Embassy is according all proper
assistance to Fore River Shipbuilding Corporation's repre-
sentative in the matter.
To the Ambassador in Argentina (tel.)

Instructions, in view of reports of strong foreign competi-
tion for submarine contracts, to request appropriate authori.
ties 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 sub-
marines 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 Bethle-
hem Steel Co. or other American shipbuilders an opportunity
to bid. Instructions to make informal but emphatic repre-
sentations against the discrimination.
From the Ambassador in Argentina (tel.)

Information from Minister of Marine that American ship-
builders 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.

Oct. 18

(41)

425

426

Oct. 19

(76)

426

Oct. 19

(77)

EFFORTS TO SECURE FOR AMERICAN FIRMS EQUAL CONSIDERATION WITH OTHER

FOREIGN COMPANIES IN BIDS FOR ARGENTINE NAVAL CONSTRUCTIONContinued

Date and number

Subject

Page

427

428

429

1927 Jan. 7 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. Jan. 14 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. Mar. 1

To the Chargé in Argentina (tel.)
(9) 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. Mar. 9 To the Chargé in Argentina (tel.)

(11) Instructions to advise present status of matter.
Mar. 10 From the Chargé in Argentina (tel.)
(27) 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.
Apr. 7 From the Chargé in Argentina
(261) Information that one of the primary reasons for Bethlehem

Co.'s failure to reach understanding with Argentine Gov-
ernment 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.
Apr. 15 From the Chargé in Argentina (tel.)
(38) Advice that no contracts have been signed as yet, but that

429

430

430

432