§ 46. Sir J. D. REESasked whether British are allowed to compete with Japanese ships in the coasting trade of Japan; if not, whether Japanese ships are subject to any restrictions in respect of the British-Indian coasting trade; and, if not, whether the Government propose to take any and, if so, what steps to introduce free, fair, or reciprocal trade in this behalf?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Acland)Under Article 21 of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Commerce and Navigation of 1911, the coasting trade of the two countries is excepted from the provisions of the treaty and is to be regulated according to the laws of the United Kingdom and Japan respectively, but Most-Favoured-Nation treatment is mutually guaranteed. The law of Japan reserves the coasting trade to Japanese 1839 vessels. I understand that Japanese ships are at present subject to no restrictions in respect of British-Indian coasting trade. The attention of His Majesty's Government has been called to this question, and the representations made to them are under consideration.