Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 61 Part 3.djvu/155

 61 STAT.] CZECHOSLOVAKIA-COMIMERCIAL POLICY-NOV. 14, 1946 from the Government of Czechoslovakia a statement confirming its understanding of this agreement reached by the two Governments. Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest con- sideration. DEAN ACHESON Acting Secretary of State His Excellency DR. JURAJ SLVIEK, Ambassador of Czechoslovakia. The Czechoslovak Ambassador to the Acting Secretary of State CZECHOSLOVAK EMBASSY, WASHINGTON, D. C. November 14, 1946. EXCELLENCY: The Government of Czechoslovakia expresses its satisfaction at the successful conclusion of the discussions with the Government of the United States concerning commercial policy, compensation for nationalized properties and related matters of mutual interest in furthering 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 principles 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 Em- ployment" 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 employment contemplated by the "Proposals", the two Governments 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 in- ternational trade through the mechanism of bilateral barter, clear- ing, and similar agreements is generally not compatible with the maximization of benefits deriving from trade or with the goal of eliminating trade descrimination. The Government of Czechoslo- vakia has expressed 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 post- war transition period in order to safeguard the equilibrium of its 2433

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