51407-1917-Cargoes-ex-Enemy-Vessels-in-Portuguese-Harbours — Page 1

THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, SEPTEMBER 28, 1917. 559

No. 437. The following notification which appeared in the London Gazette of the 3rd August, 1917, is published for general information.

CARGOES EX ENEMY VESSELS IN PORTUGUESE HARBOURS.

FOREIGN OFFICE,

July 31, 1917,

With reference to the notifications which were published in the London Gazette of May 30, 1916, and July 24, 1917, respecting the release of allied and neutral merchandize found on enemy vessels in Portuguese harbours, a translation is now appended of a Decree which has been issued by the Portuguese Government on the subject:--

Decree (No. 3246), July 13, 1917.

[TRANSLATION.]

Taking into consideration the representations made to me by the Ministers of all the Departments, with the view of simplifying in certain cases the procedure for the delivery of goods found on board requisitioned vessels; availing myself of the authorisation granted by the Laws No. 373 of September 2, 1915, and No. 491 of March 12, 1916: I hereby, on the advice of the Council of Ministers, decree as follows:-

ARTICLE 1.

The production of a guarantee is dispensed with in the case of the delivery of the goods referred to in Article 32 of the Decree of the 20th of April, 1916*, whenever in regard thereto claimants produce delivery orders issued by the owners of the vessels.

ARTICLE II.

The goods referred to in the above mentioned Article 32 of the Decree of April 20, 1916--which may have already been claimed, and respecting which a certificate, from the Legation of the Allied or Neutral country to which the claimant belongs, has been presented by the 31st of August, 1917, declaring that the Government concerned will, up to the expiration of the period of one year counting from the date of the signature of the treaty of peace, indemnify the Portuguese Government against all claims by the shipowners, captains or third parties up to the amount of one and one-third times the value of the said goods--may be handed over on an order from the Minister of Finance provided the parties interested pay the expenses of unloading, storage and conservation of the goods, as well as the Customs clearance charges on re-exportation, at the time the clearance is effected.

ARTICLE III.

An extension is hereby granted to the 31st of August, 1917, of the period for the presentation of all claims or documents relative to goods of the same origin.

§1. At the termination of this extended period no claim or document will be admitted, and all proceedings pending will follow their legal course.

ARTICLE IV.

The decisions referred to in Articles 34 and 35 and their sub-Articles of the Decree of the 20th of April, 1916, shall appertain to the Tribunal of Commerce at Mormuagão as regards the questions still pending in connection with the cargoes of the ships "Pangim,"

Damao" and "India,” requisitioned at that port.

"

ARTICLE V.

Legislation to the contrary is hereby revoked.

The Ministers of all the Departments shall accordingly carry this Decree into effect.

* See London Gazette of May 30, 1916.

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