Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 58 Part 2.djvu/571

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58 STAT.] SYRIA-RIGHTS OF AMERICAN NATIONALS-SEPT. 7, 8, 1944 Agreement between the United States of America and Syria respecting September 7,8, 944 rights of American nationals. Effected by exchange of notes signed at [EA. S . 434] Damascus September 7 and 8, 1944. The American Diplomatic Agent to the Syrian Minister for Foreign Affairs LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA September 7, 1944. EXCELLENCY: I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that my Government has observed with friendly and sympathetic interest the accelerated transfer of governmental powers to the Syrian and Lebanese Govern- ments since November 1943 and now takes the view that the Syrian and Lebanese Governments may now be considered representative, effectively independent and in a position satisfactorily to fulfil their international obligations and responsibilities. The United States is, therefore, prepared to extend full and uncon- ditional recognition of the independence of Syria, upon receipt from Your Excellency's Government of written assurances that the existing rights of the United States and its nationals, particularly as set forth in the treaty of 1924 between the United States and France, are 43Stat.1821 . fully recognized and will be effectively continued and protected by the Syrian Government, until such time as appropriate bilateral accord may be concluded by direct and mutual agreement between the United States and Syria. I am to add that, following the receipt of such assurances, my Gov- ernment proposes to appoint an Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary as its representative near the Syrian Government and would be pleased to receive in the United States a diplomatic repre- sentative of Syria of the same grade. Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurance of my highest con- sideration. G. WADSWORTH His Excellency JAMIL BEY MARDAM BEY, Ministerfor Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Syria, Damascus. 1491