Directory_and_Chronicle_1929 — Page 299

TREATY BETWEEN GREAT BRITAIN AND SIAM

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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 import the duties shall be three per cent., payable at the option of the importer, either in kind or money, calculated upon the market value of the goods. Drawback of the full amount of duty shall be allowed 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 articles, such disputes shall be referred to the Consul and proper Siamese officer, who shall each have the power to call in an equal number of merchants as assessors, not exceeding two on either side, to assist them in coming to an equitable decision.

Opium may be imported free of duty, 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 the opium, it shall be re-exported, and no impost or duty shall be levied thereon. Any infringement of this regulation shall subject 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 levied under the name of inland tax, transit duty, or duty on exportation. The tax or duty to be paid on each article of Siamese produce previous to or upon exportation is specified in the tariff attached to this Treaty; and it is distinctly agreed that goods or produce which 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 purchase directly from the producer the articles in which they trade, and in like manner to sell their goods directly to the parties wishing to purchase the same, without the interference, in either case, of any other person.

The rates of duty laid down in the tariff attached to this Treaty are those that are now paid upon goods or produce shipped in Siamese or Chinese vessels or junks; and it is agreed that British shipping shall enjoy all the privileges now exercised by, or which hereafter may be granted to, Siamese or Chinese vessels or junks.

British subjects 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 right of prohibiting, by public proclamation, the exportation of these articles.

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 authorities; and they, the said authorities and Consul, shall be enabled to introduce any further 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 vessels 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 subject of any other nation.

Art. XI.-After the lapse 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' notice 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.