Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 61 Part 3.djvu/153

 61 STAT.] CZECHOSLOVAKIA-COMMERCIAL POLICY-NOV. 14, 1946 Agreement between the United States of America and Czechoslovakia respecting commercial policy. Effected by exchange of notes signed at Washington November 14, 1946; effective November 14, 1946. The Acting Secretary of State to the Czechoslovak Ambassador DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON November 14, 1946. EXCELLENCY: The Government of the United States expresses its satisfaction at the successful conclusion of the discussions with the Government of Czechoslovakia concerning commnercial policy, compensation for na- tionalized properties and related matters of mutual interest in fur- thering the economic relations between their two countries. These discussions have resulted in agreement by the two Governments on the following matters: 1. The two Governments affirm their continued support of the prin- ciples set forth in Article VII of the Mutual Aid Agreement of July 11, 1942, and reiterate their desire to achieve the elimination of all forms of discriminatory treatment in international commerce, and the reduction of tariffs and other trade barriers. 2. The Government of Czechoslovakia is in accord with the general tenor of the "Proposals for Expansion of World Trade and Employ- ment" recently transmitted to the Government of Czechoslovakia by the Government of the United States. Pending the conclusion of the negotiations at the general international conference on trade and em- ployment contemplated by the "Proposals", the two Governmlents declare it to be their policy to abstain from adopting new measures which would prejudice the objectives of the conference. 3. The two Governments share the view that the conduct of inter- national trade through the mechanism of bilateral barter, clearing, and similar agreements is generally not compatible with the maximi- zation of benefits deriving from trade or with the goal of eliminating trade discrimination. The Government of Czechoslovakia has ex- pressed the view, however, that the use of such agreements during the postwar transition period has been necessary, but it will direct its efforts to their abandonment and a return to multilateralism at the earliest possible date. 4. The Government of Czechoslovakia has declared that it must maintain a system of import and export controls during the postwar transition period in order to safeguard the equilibrium of its balance of payments while seeking to achieve in an orderly way its plan of economic reconstruction. The Government of Czechoslovakia will administer the issuance of import licenses without discrimination as November 14, 1946 IT.I. A. S. 15691 Elimination of dis. criminatory treat- ment, etc. 56 Stat. 1564 . Abstention from nmlasllres prejudll cial to objectives of col- ferenele. Return to multi- lateralism. Maintenance by Czechoslovakia of im- port and export con- trols. 2431

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