CO129-503-8 Treatment of Asiatic British subjects by French Authorities in Indo-China 30-12-1926 - 20-10-1927 — Page 41

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FOREIGN

OFFICE, S.W.1.

29th December, 1926.

41

Sir:-

I am directed by Secretary Sir Austen Chamberlain

to transmit herewith copies of two despatches with

enclosures from His Majesty's Consul General at Saigon in

regard to the discrimination against foreigners in Indo-

China in respect of taxation.

2.

The Secretary of State is advised that there are

no treaty rights which could be invoked as ground for a

diplomatic protest against the discrimination shown to

British subjects as compared with French citizens. I am to

enquire whether the Board are in agreement with that view

and, if so, whether they nevertheless consider that Mr.

Gorton's action in protesting to the Governor should be

approved on general grounds and in view of the fact that

a number of his colleagues appear to have done the same.

I am also to enclose a copy of a further despatch

(No. 29) from Mr. Gorton regarding the grant of preferential

treatment of French vessels in respect of pilotage dues in

the Saigon River. While this matter is distinct from that

which forms the subject of Mr. Gorton's despatches Nos.30

and 31, the principle involved is the same, namely, dis-

crimination against foreigners. The question of these dues

was first raised in 1924, when it was referred to the Board,

who expressed the opinion that no action should be taken

(See your letter C.R.T.3701/24 of the

3.

for the time being.

8th October, 1924).

Their view was based on the consideration

that,

The Secretary

to the Board of Trade.