earliest possible moment, and the necessary steps will be taken by His Majesty's Government to secure its observance. His Majesty's Government takes note of the conciliatory offer of the United States Government to consider in a most friendly spirit any changes in the Modus Vivendi, which may be agreed upon locally between the Newfoundland authorities and the United States fishermen and which may be acceptable both to the United States Government and to His Majesty's Government. I have the honour to be, with the highest consideration, Your Excellency's most obedient humble servant, His Excellency The Honorable WHITELAW REID, &c &c &c E. GREY COMMERCE Agreement signed at London November 19, 1907 I Malloy 812; Treaty Series 468 THE Government of the United States of America and the Government of His Britannic Majesty, being desirous of facilitating and extending the commercial relations existing between their respective countries, but without prejudice to the views held by each of them as to the interpretation of the "most-favoured-nation" Article of the Convention of Commerce between the two countries signed at London on the 3rd July, 1815,2 mutually agree as follows: 1. In order to facilitate the clearance through the Customs Department of the United Kingdom of samples of dutiable goods brought into the territory of the United Kingdom by commercial travellers of the United States of America, such samples being for use as models or patterns for the purpose of obtaining orders, and not for sale, His Majesty's Government agrees that the marks, stamps, or seals placed upon such samples by the Customs authorities of the United States of America at the time of exportation, and the officially attested list of such samples, containing a full description thereof issued by the proper authority, shall be accepted by the Customs officials of the United Kingdom as establishing their character as samples, and exempting them from inspection on importation, except so far as may be necessary to establish that the samples produced are those enumerated on the list. The Customs authorities of the United Kingdom may, however, affix a supplementary mark to such samples in special cases where they may think this precaution necessary. 2. The Government of the United States of America agrees to extend to the United Kingdom the special reduction of duty on paintings in oil or water colours, pastels, pen and ink drawings, and statuary, being the product of the industry of the United Kingdom, authorized under section 3 of the Tariff Act of the United States, approved the 24th July, 1897.3 1 Pursuant to notice of termination given by the United States Aug. 6, 1909. 2 TS 110, ante, p. 49. 3 3 30 Stat. 203. 3. This agreement shall continue in force until six months from the date when either party shall notify the other of its intention to terminate it. Done in duplicate at London, the 19th day of November, 1907. ARBITRATION Convention signed at Washington April 4, 1908 Ratified by the United Kingdom May 4, 1908 Ratified by the President of the United States May 11, 1908 Ratifications exchanged at Washington June 4, 1908 Entered into force June 4, 1908 Proclaimed by the President of the United States June 5, 1908 Extended by agreements of May 31, 1913, June 3, 1918, and June 23, 1923 3 Expired June 4, 1928 35 Stat. 1960; Treaty Series 494 The President of the United States of America and His Majesty the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas, Emperor of India, desiring in pursuance of the principles set forth in Articles 15-19 of the Convention for the pacific settlement of international disputes, signed at The Hague July 29, 1899,* to enter into negotiations for the conclusion of an Arbitration Convention, have named as their Plenipotentiaries, to wit: The President of the United States of America, Elihu Root, Secretary of State of the United States, and His Majesty the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas, Emperor of India, The Right Honorable James Bryce, O. M., who, after having communicated to one another their full powers, found in good and due form, have agreed upon the following articles: ARTICLE I Differences which may arise of a legal nature or relating to the interpretation of treaties existing between the two Contracting Parties and which it may 1TS 587, post, p. 362. 2 TS 635, post, p. 388. a TS 674, post, p. 406. 'TS 392, ante, vol. 1, p. 230. not have been possible to settle by diplomacy, shall be referred to the Permanent Court of Arbitration established at The Hague by the Convention of the 29th of July, 1899, provided, nevertheless, that they do not affect the vital interests, the independence, or the honor of the two Contracting States, and do not concern the interests of third Parties. ARTICLE II In each individual case the High Contracting Parties, before appealing to the Permanent Court of Arbitration, shall conclude a special Agreement defining clearly the matter in dispute, the scope of the powers of the Arbitrators, and the periods to be fixed for the formation of the Arbitral Tribunal and the several stages of the procedure. It is understood that such special agreements on the part of the United States will be made by the President of the United States, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate thereof; His Majesty's Government reserving the right before concluding a special agreement in any matter affecting the interests of a self governing Dominion of the British Empire to obtain the concurrence therein of the Government of that Dominion. Such Agreements shall be binding only when confirmed by the two Governments by an Exchange of Notes. ARTICLE III The present Convention shall be ratified by the President of the United States of America by and with the advice and consent of the Senate thereof, and by his Britannic Majesty. The ratifications shall be exchanged at Washington as soon as possible, and the Convention shall take effect on the date of the exchange of its ratifications. ARTICLE IV The present Convention is concluded for a period of five years, dating from the day of the exchange of its ratifications. Done in duplicate at the City of Washington, this fourth day of April, in the year 1908. |