§ SIR. TEMPLE (Surrey, Kingston)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government will negotiate with the Government of Siam for equality in respect of commerce and concessions between British subjects and the subjects of the Most Favoured Nation; and whether, in Siamese dominions, British Consuls or Vice Consuls will be appointed at whatever places French Consuls or Vice Consuls are stationed?
§ SIR E. GREYIt is laid down in Article X. of our Treaty with Siam of April 18, 1855, that—
The British Government and its subjects will be allowed free and equal participation in any privileges that may have been, or may hereafter be, granted by the Siamese Government to the Government or subjects of any other nation.This seems sufficiently comprehensive without the negotiation of a fresh stipulation. It would entitle Her Majesty's Government to ask for the appointment of British Consuls or Vice 1881 Consuls at any place within the Kingdom of Siam where the Consuls of other Powers are permitted to reside. But the question whether Consular officers shall be so appointed must depend, in each case, on the amount to which British interests are involved.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESI should like to know whether we are to understand that whatever arrangements are made between France and Siam the Government will insist on the continued observance of this Treaty?
§ SIR E. GREYAs long as the Treaty remains in force, we shall uphold those provisions of it which are in our own interests.