Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 51.djvu/291

 289 FRANCE-CUSTOMS, SYRIA AND THE LEBANON-FEB. 18, 1937 therefore will consider Decree No. 292/LR of December 20, 1934, as an interpretation of the privileges granted, subject to two modifica- tions: First, the liberalization of the amounts to be imported free of duty by the American University of Beirut. The desire for this modifica- tion arises from the fact that scientific instruments, equipment for teaching, hospitals, etc., which must all be imported by the University, create a proportion of importation relative to the number of students far higher than similar importations which might be required by secondary institutions and other foundations. Therefore, the creation of a special category for institutions of university standing might be in the public interest in the Mandated areas, particularly since devaluation has lessened the import value of the present allowances. Second, it is suggested that, in case the American educational, religious and philanthropic institutions appeal from a decision of the customs inspectors, either as to amounts or classifications, no pay- ment be made until the appeal shall have been heard and decided by the highest customs authorities. The reason which motivates this request is that appeals under the present r6gime tie up philanthropic funds for considerable lengths of time until decisions are acted upon, after which claims may be entered for the return of the money, and there is a long tie-up of funds destined entirely for eleemosynary purposes, as well as unnecessary administrative delay and incon- venience to both parties. Should Your Excellency be able to consent to the two above men- tioned modifications of Decree 292/LR of December 20, 1934, my Government will be most happy to consider the decree so modified as a satisfactory interpretation of the rights granted it by treaty and interpreted in the exchange of notes, by which it receives most favored nation treatment in this respect. I avail myself of this occasion to renew to Your Excellency the assurance of my highest consideration, WILLIAM C. BULLITT His Excellency Monsieur YVON DELBOS, Ministerfor Foreign Affairs, Paris. The French Minister for Foreign Affairs (Delbos) to the American Ambassador (Bullitt) MINISTERE DES AFFAIRES kTRANGoRBES DIRECTION POLITIQUE PARIS, le 18 Fvrier 1937. MONSIEUR L'AMBASSADEUR, J'ai requ votre note en date de ce jour par laquelle vous avez bien voulu exposer les observations de votre gouvernement sur le r6gime 23918°-38 -19

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