The Siamese foot are aware that in virtue of the provisions of Art. I. British Subjects are entitled to most favoured nation treatment, and will consequently not be bound to submit to the scale of duties imposed by the Agreement (viz. duty equal or proportionate to the Siamese Excise) or other dispositions of the Treaty, until other Foreign Powers consent by agreement with Siam that their subjects shall be liable to a similar scale of duties. Anfoot feel confident
Ras that until an understanding been arrived at to put the agreement into nominal operation upon a certain date would serve no useful purpose but would inevitably create confusion as to the exact footing upon which the spirit trade was thenceforward to be carried on, and might possibly lead to difficulties. An foot. would therefore be glad in the first place to be furnished with a complete List of all the foreign Powers having Treaty relations with Siam, and further, to be informed with which of those Powers, arrangements have been concluded by them of a nature similar to that recently concluded between Great Britain and Siam.
On being furnished with this information and with copies of the last mentioned agreements, An. foot. will be happy to enter into communication with all the Powers concerned for the purpose of coming to a mutual understanding for putting the agreement into operation at the earliest date possible; and also as to the arrangements in regard to alcoholic liquors and the condition of the retail trade which will be rendered necessary in view of Arts 2 and 4.
The difficulties which have lately arisen in Siam in connection with the spirit trade, and which form the subject of another communication which I have the honour to address to you under this day's date, have made Amfoot sensible that great care will be necessary in making satisfactory provision for carrying on this trade, under the new conditions which will be imposed by the Agreement of the 6th April 1883; and Amfoot. trust that in the meanwhile the Siamese foot will take immediate steps to satisfy the just reclamations of British subjects; and that all causes of complaint may be disposed of before the agreement comes into effect.
By so doing the Govt. of Siam will afford an earnest of their appreciation of the friendly spirit which has animated Anfoot. in concluding the agreement in question.
I have to,
(sd) Tanville
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