CONSULAR CONVENTION -FRANCE. MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS. SUB-DIVISION OF CHANCERIES AND LEGAL MATTERS. LEGAL MATTERS. Rents. MR. AMBASSADOR, [Traulatloo] PARIS, March 4, 19S5. By a letter of the 23d of last month you acquainted me with your Government's interpretation of article 7 of the consular convention concluded on February 23, 1853, between France and the United States of America, dealing with the rights of American citizens in France in relation to the French rent law. I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that the French Gov- ernment accepts, for the future application of the convention, the following interpretation, already valid in the past. The effect of the provisions of article 7 is to secure for citizens of the United States residing in France the right to enjoy the same treatment as French citizens in matters relating to the ownership, possession, and disposal of real property. Consequently, citizens of the United States will enjoy in France the benefit of all the provisions, whether applicable to owners or tenants, of the French law of April 1, 1926, amended by the law of June 29, 1929, governing the relations between lessors and lessees of premises used for residential purposes, and the law of June 30, 1926, amended by the law of April 22, 1927, governing the relations between tenants and landlords of premises used for commercial and industrial purposes, notwithstanding article 11 of the Civil Code and the exceptions or restrictions applicable to foreigners under the aforesaid laws. I take note that, under the laws of the different States of the United States and of the District of Columbia, French citizens residing in the United States enjoy the same treatment as American citizens in regard to the leasing or renting of real property. Kindly accept, Mr. Ambassador, the assurances of my very high consideration. J. PAUL-BoNCOUR. HIS EXCELLENCY MR. WALTER EVANS EDGE, Ambas8ador of tke United States of America, Paris. [No. 44] 1771
