Directory_and_Chronicle_1891 — Page 363

TREATY BETWEEN CREAT BRITAIN AND SIAM,

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311

Art VII.—The measurement duty b therto paid by British vessels trading to Bangkok und r the Treaty of 1826 shall be abolished fro the date of this treaty coming into operation, and British shipping and trade will henceforth be only subject to the payment of import and export duties on the goods landed or shipped. On all articles of mport th dities shall e thr e per e nt., payable at the option of the importer, either in kind or money, calculat d upon t ́e market value of the goods. Drawback of e full amount o du y shall be allo ved upon goods found unsaleable and re-exported. Should the British merchant and the Custom-house officers dis- agree as to the value to be set upon imported article, such disputes shall be referred to the Co sul and proper Siamese officer, who shall each have the power to call in an equal number of merchants as assessors, not exceeding wo on either side, to assist them in coming to an equitable decision.

Opium may be imported free of uly, but can only be sold to the opium farmer or his agents. In the event of no arrangement being effected with them for the sale of te opium, it sha 1 be re-exported, and no impost or duty shall be levied thereon. Any infringement of this regulation shala subj.c the opium to seizure and confisca

tion.

Articles of export from the time of production to the date of shipment shall pay one import duty, whether this be lovid u der the name of nl nd tax, transit duty, or duty on expor ation. The t x or duty to be paid on each article of Siamese produce

tax previous to or upon exporta ion, is specified in the tariff attache to this Treaty; and it is distinctly agreed hat go dsr produe whic pay any description of tax in the interior, shall be exempted from any further payment of the duty on exportation.

English merchants are to be allowed to purcha e directly from the producer the articles in which they trade, an in like manner to sell their goods directly to the parti a wishing to purchase the same, without the interference, in either case, of any other person.

The rates of duty laid down in the ta iff attached to this Treaty are those that are now paid up on goods or produce hipp din Siamese or (hinese vessels or junks; and it is agreed that British shipping shill enjoy all the privileges now exercised by, or which hereafter may be granted to Siamese or Chinese vessels or junks.

British su jects will be allowed to build ships in Siam, on obtaining permission to do so from the Siamese authorities.

Whenever a scarcity may be apprehended of salt, rice, or fish, the Siamese Government reserve to themselves the rig t of prohibiting, by public proclamation. the exportation of these ar icles.

Bullion or personal effects may be imported free of charge.

Art. IX. The code of regulations appended to this Treaty shall be enforced by the Consul, with the co-operation of the Siamese author ties; and they, the said authorities and Consul, sh.ill be enabled to introduce any furth r regulations which may be necessary in order to give effect to the objects of this Treaty.

All fines and penalties inflicted for infraction of the provisions and regulations

of this Treaty shall be paid to the Siamese Government.

Until the British Consul shall arrive at Bangkok, and enter upon his functions, the consignees of British vessel, shall be at liberty to settle with the Siamese authorities all questions relating to their trade.

Art. X.-The British Government and its subjects will be allowed free and equal participation in any privileges that may have been, or may hereafter be, granted by the Siamese Government to the government or subjects of any other nation.

Art. XI.-After the laps of ten years from the date of the ratification of this Treaty, upon the desire of either the British or Siamese Government, and on twelve months' notic being given by either party, the present and such portions of the Treaty of 1826 as remain unrevoked by this Treaty, together with the Tariff and the Regulations hereunto annexed, or those that may hereafter be introduced, shall be subject to revision by Commissioners appointed on both sides for this purpose, who will be empowered to decide on and insert therein such amendments as experience shall prove to be desirable.