§ MR. CHAMBERLAINasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is true that negotiations for Commercial Treaties are proceeding between Austria and Servia, and Austria and Bulgaria; whether the present Turkish Duties on goods imported into Bulgaria will continue in force; whether Her Majesty's Government are taking steps to negotiate a Commercial Treaty with Servia and Bulgaria; and, whether they will take care that the benefits of any favourable Commercial Treaty between those Countries and any other European nation shall also be secured to England?
§ MR. MUNTZasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, What negotiations, if any, are in contemplation with the new States of Servia and Bulgaria, so as to ensure the Most Favoured Nation Clause in any Commercial Treaties?
§ MR. BOURKESir, the Questions of the two hon. Members refer to two different subjects relating to Servia and Bulgaria. With regard to Servia, Her Majesty's Government understand that a provisional Commercial Convention was concluded between Austria and Servia in July last; but they are not in a position to state what negotiations are at present pending between those countries. Article 37 of the Treaty of Berlin says—
Until the conclusion of fresh arrangements no change shall be made in Servia in the actual conditions of the commercial intercourse of the Principality with foreign countries. No transit duties shall be levied on goods passing through Servia.Some time ago, by a provisional Declaration between Great Britain and Servia, signed March 5, 1879, and presented to Parliament (Commercial No. 7, 1879), and which is to remain in force till May 1, 1880, the most favoured nation treatment is secured. With regard to Bulgaria, the question is decided by the 8th Article of the Treaty of Berlin. By that Article, Bulgaria remains under the 722 Turkish tariff. The Article in question says—The Treaties of Commerce and of Navigation, as well as all the Conventions and Arrangements concluded between foreign Powers and the Porte, and now in force, are maintained in the Principality of Bulgaria, and no change shall be made in them with regard to any Power without its previous consent. No transit duties shall be levied in Bulgaria on goods passing through that Principality. The subjects and citizens and commerce of all the Powers shall be treated in the Principality on a footing of strict equality.