711.569/17

The Acting Secretary of State to the Netherland Minister (De Graeff)

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note dated July 10, 1924 and to express gratification that you have been authorized to sign a convention relating to the prevention of the smuggling of intoxicating liquors into the United States in the form of a draft submitted to your Government, provided that it is executed in the Dutch and English languages.

The Government of the United States will be glad to accede to your request that notes be exchanged expressing the understanding that if the United States adheres to the protocol establishing the Permanent Court of International Justice, the Government of the United States will not be averse to considering a modification of the convention to provide that claims arising under the convention shall be referred to the Permanent Court of International Justice instead of to the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Upon the receipt of the Dutch text, which you state has been mailed to you, the Department will be prepared to proceed to the signature of the treaty.

Accept [etc.]

Joseph C. Grew