711.922/7a
The Secretary of State to
the Siamese Minister (Karavongse)
Washington, June 3,
1920.
My Dear Mr. Minister: I have the honor to
enclose herewith a draft of a clause to be included in the new Treaty of
Commerce and Navigation, accepting the principle of tariff autonomy on
the part of Siam.
I trust that the draft as submitted will be acceptable to your
Government.
I am [etc.]
[Page 866]
[Enclosure]
Draft Clause for Treaty of Commerce and
Navigation with Siam
The United States of America recognizes that the principle of
national autonomy should apply to the Kingdom of Siam in all that
pertains to the rates of duty on importations and exportations of
merchandise, drawbacks, and transit and other inland taxes; and
subject to the guarantees of the present treaty to equality of
treatment with other nations in these respects the United States of
America agrees to assent to increases by Siam in tariff rates higher
than those established by existing treaties, on condition, however,
that all other nations entitled to claim special tariff treatment in
Siam assent to such increases freely and without the requirement of
any compensatory benefit or privilege.