195/611: Telegram

The Chargé in France (Whitehouse) to the Secretary of State

383. My 379, August 23, noon. In a note from the Foreign Office I am informed that the formalities to which American vessels in French ports are subjected are made necessary by article 3 of the law of April 17, 1907, and not as a result of the nonrecognition of the American Bureau of Shipping. The formalities can be waived if an agreement is concluded between the United States and France recognizing the equivalence of French and American legislation on the subject and the note concludes with a request to be informed whether the United States Government would enter into such an agreement.

I understand that the agreement can be concluded by an exchange of notes after examination by each Government of the legislation of the other on the subject.

I am transmitting by pouch a copy of the law above referred to.41

Whitehouse
  1. Not printed.