Mr. Vignaud to Mr.
Olney.
Embassy
of the United States,
Paris, August 10, 1896.
(Received Aug. 24.)
No. 552.]
Sir: The law declaring Madagascar and its
depending islands a French colony was promulgated on the 6th instant and
published in the Journal Officiel on the 8th. The text of the law is
followed by an official note stating substantially (1) that from and
after the promulgation of the law at Madagascar French products imported
direct from France or from one of her colonies will pay no duty; (2)
that until the adoption of definitive custom-house regulations foreign
goods will pay a duty of 10 per cent ad valorem.
According to this curious note, it seems that notwithstanding Mr.
Hanotaux’s declarations the old treaties are to remain in force,
temporarily at least.
I inclose herewith a translation of the note and of the law to which it
refers.
On July 27 the Journal Officiel published a decree establishing
regulations concerning the seeking for and working of mines producing
gold and other precious metals and stones in Madagascar. These
regulations are long and rather complicated, but no discrimination
appears to be made between foreign and French prospectors and
miners.
I understand that the minister of colonies has under consideration the
question of the validity of former concessions to foreigners,
particularly to Americans and Englishmen. The papers remark that all the
old genuine concessions will be confirmed.
I have, etc.,
[Page 135]
[Inclosure 1 in No.
552.]
Madagascar custom-house regulations.
In consequence of the law of annexation, the ministry of commerce
brings to the knowledge of all merchants doing business with
Madagascar the following arrangements, which are brought to the
notice of the local authorities by the mail of August 10, and which
become effective as soon as said bill shall have been promulgated in
said island:
- First. French products imported into the island and coming
direct from France or a French colony will enter free of
duty, ceasing to be subject to the 10 per cent ad valorem
duty formerly imposed.
- Second. The entry, free of duty, of French goods at
Madagascar is subordinated to the presentation to the
Madagascar custom-house officials by French tradesmen of
(passavaits) permits delivered by the home custom-house at
the port of departure, which permits are intended to
guarantee the French origin of the products or show that
(they) are considered as same by having paid all customs
dues.
- Third. Goods shipped from France for temporary admission
will enter free of duty until the customs régime is
definitely established.
- Fourth. Pending this definite arrangement, all foreign
products will be subject to the sole present import duty of
10 per cent ad valorem.
[Inclosure 2 in No.
552.]
Law declaring Madagascar and depending islands a
French colony.
The Senate and the Chamber of Deputies have adopted, and the
President of the Republic promulgates, the following law:
Sole article: The island of Madagascar, with its depending islands,
is declared to be a French colony.
The present law, debated and adopted by the Senate and the Chamber of
Deputies, shall be executed as a state law.
Made at Brest
August 6,
1896.
Félix Faure, President of the Republic.
By the
minister of colonies:
André
Lebon.
The minister of foreign
affairs:
G.
Hanotaux.
