No. 3.
Mr. Bayard to Mr. Tree.*

No. 72.]

Sir: Referring to previous correspondence on the subject of the ciaim of the Government of Belgium under the most favored-nation clause of its treaties with the United States to participate in the benefits created in respect of tonnage dues by the fourteenth section of the shipping act of June 26, 1884, I now transmit, for your personal and confidential information, copies of correspondence recently had with the Swedish and Norwegian minister at Washington on the subject.

The claim of Belgium seems to be in suspense, if not to have been abandoned. As soon as it can be done this Government proposes to revise the matter, by making the offer contemplated by section 11 of the amendatory shipping act of June 19, 1886, a copy of which is herewith inclosed.

Meanwhile, should any indication come to your knowledge of a disposition on the part of the Government of Belgium to renew its demand, either on the former basis or on the modified footing provided by the later amendatory act of 1886, you will fully advise the Department.

I am, sir, etc.,

T. F. Bayard.
  1. Sent also, mutatis mutandis, to the minister of the United States to Denmark.
  2. For this correspondence, see infra, Nos. 27 to 35.