File No. 5727/83.
The British Ambassador to the Secretary of State.
Intervale, N. H., July 18, 1907.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note No. 108 of the 10th instant, informing me that in view of the facts set forth as to the status of British chambers of commerce, they will in future be recognized as qualified to issue certificates of value on the same terms as are accorded German chambers of commerce under paragraph F of the recent agreement between the United States and Germany.
I desire to express my recognition of the liberal spirit in which the United States Government have acted in this matter, and of the readiness shown in removing a difficulty which might have proved detrimental to important mutual commercial interests.
I am now instructed by His Majesty’s Government to make certain inquiries for the elucidation of minor points connected with the exercise of these powers by British chambers of commerce. I should therefore be greatly obliged if I might be informed, for telegraphic communication to the competent authorities, whether the certificates of the British chambers of commerce will supersede the other documents relative to value required by the customs administration, particularly the declarations required to be indorsed on the back of the invoice under section 3 of the customs administrative act. Also, whether the value to be stated in the guarantee certificate is to include packing and other charges incidental to shipment.
I have, etc.,