Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 52.djvu/1529

 52 STAT.] VENEZUELA-COMMERCIAL RELATIONS-MAY 12, 1939 Provisional commercial agreement between the United States of America and Venezuela respecting commercial relations. Effected by exchange of notes, signed May 12, 1938; effective May 12, 1938. The American Charged'Affaires ad interim (Braddock) to the Venezuelan Minister for Foreign Affairs (Gil Borges) LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Caracas, May 12, 1938. EXCELLENCY: For the purpose of formalizing the result of the conversations which I have had with Your Excellency I have the honor to inform you that the Government of the United States of America is disposed, pending the conclusion of the reciprocal trade agreement which the two Gov- ernments have under consideration, to regulate the commercial rela- tions between the two countries by a modus vivendi on the basis of the application of the most-favored-nation principle, in conformity with the following articles: Article I. Both Governments agree to concede reciprocally uncon- ditional and unlimited most-favored-nation treatment in all that concerns customs duties and all accessory imposts, the manner of applying duties as well as the rules and formalities to which customs operations can be submitted. Article II. The provisions of the foregoing article shall not apply: 1. To the advantages now accorded or which may hereafter be accorded by the United States of America or by the United States of Venezuela to adjacent countries in order to facilitate frontier traffic; nor shall it apply to advantages resulting from customs unions to which the United States of America or the United States of Venezuela may become a party. 2. To the advantages now accorded or which may hereafter be accorded by the United States of America, its territories or possessions or the Panama Canal Zone to one another or to the Republic of Cuba. The provisions of this paragraph shall continue to apply in respect of any advantages now or hereafter accorded by the United States of America, its territories or possessions or the Panama Canal Zone to one another irrespective of any change in the political status of any territory or possession of the United States of America. 3. To articles transshipped through Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands and imported into Venezuela. Article III. The present agreement shall come into force on this date and shall remain in force for a period of one year or until super- Provisional c o m- mercial agreement with Venezuela re- specting commercial relations. No. 351 May 12, 1938 [E. A. S.No. 1221 1493

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