FRANCE AND ANNAM.
TREATY BETWEEN FRANCE AND THE KINGDOM OF ANNAM.
SIGNED AT SAIGON, 15th March, 1874.
His Excellency the President of the French Republic and His Majesty the King of Annam, wishing to unite their countries by ties of lasting friendship, have resolved to conclude a treaty of peace and alliance replacing that of 5th June, 1862, and for that purpose have named as their plenipotentiaries, that is to say:--
His Excellency the President of the French Republic: Rear-Admiral Dupré, Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Lower Cochin-China, Grand Officer of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, Officer of Public Instruction, etc.; and His Majesty the King of Annam: Letuan, Minister of Justice, first ambassador, and Nguyen-van-tuong, First Councillor of the Ministry of Rites, second ambassador; who, after communication of their respective powers, found in due form, have agreed to the following articles:-
Art. I. There shall be perpetual peace, friendship, and alliance between France and the kingdom of Annam.
Art. II-His Excellency the President of the French Republic, recognising the sovereignty of the King of Annam and bis entire independence of every foreign power whatsoever, promises him aid and assistance, and engages to give him, on his demand and gratuitously, the necessary means for maintaining order and tranquility in bis state, to defend it against all attacks, and to destroy the piracy which desolates a portion of the coasts of the kingdom,
Art. III.—In recognition of this protection, His Majesty the King of Annato engages to conform his foreign policy to that of France and in nothing to change his present diplomatic relations.
This political engagement does not extend to treaties of commerce, but in no case shall His Majesty the King of Annam make with any nation whatsoever a treaty of commerce in disaccord with that concluded between France and the kingdom of Annam, nor without having previously informed the French Government.
His Excellency the President of the French Republic engages to make to His Majesty the King of Annam a gratuitous gift:--
1.--Of five steam vessels of five hundred horse power, in perfect condition, with their boilers and engines, armed and equipped in conformity with the provisions of the rules of armament.
2. Of one hundred 7-lb. guns of sixteen centimetres in diameter, provided with two hundred rounds per piece.
3. Of one thousand breech-loading rifles; and five hundred thousand cartridges. These boats and arme shall be delivered free in Cochin-China within the space of one year from the date of the exchange of the ratifications,
Art. IV. His Excellency the President of the French Republic likewise promises to place at the disposition of the King sufficient uumber of military and naval instructors to reorganise his army and fleet; of englan and chief artizana capable of directing the works which it shall please His Mejengo undertake; of men expert in finance to organise the excise and custome services in the kingdom; of professors to establish a college at Hué. He promises also to furnish to the King the war vessels and the arms and munitions which His Majesty shall judgo necessary to his service.