Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1921, Volume II

711.4121/26

The Ambassador in Great Britain ( Davis ) to the Acting Secretary of State

London , January 10, 1921 .
[Received January 28.]

No. 4037

Sir: Pursuant to the Department’s instruction No. 1075 of December 20, 1920,⁹⁸ (File No. 711.4121/24), I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of the Note of July 28, 1919, by which the British Government on behalf of the King of Tonga gave notice of denunciation of the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation, concluded on October 2, 1886, between the United States and the King of Tonga.

I have [etc.]

John W. Davis

[Enclosure]

The British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs ( Curzon ) to the American Ambassador ( Davis )

[ London ,] July 28, 1919 .

No. 107441/345T

Your Excellency: I have the honour to advert to Your Excellency’s Note of May 28th. last (No. 370) and previous correspondence respecting the desire of the United States Government to abrogate Article 10 of the Treaty of Commerce of October 2nd. 1886 between the United States and Tonga. His Majesty’s Government regret the delay which has occurred in answering your predecessor’s Note on the subject, and which has been largely due to circumstances caused by the war and difficulties of communication with Tonga.

I have now the honour to state that, inasmuch as the Treaty in question makes provision only under Article 14 for its entire abrogation (save in respect of Article 6), it is deemed that the desire of the United States Government will best be met by giving notice of denunciation in accordance with the terms of that Article. His Majesty’s Government, on behalf of His Majesty the King of Tonga, by the present note therefore give notice of denunciation of the Treaty of October 2nd. 1886 as provided for in Article 14 and I shall be glad if Your Excellency will be good enough so to inform the United States Government.

I have [etc.]

(For

Earl Curzon

of Kedleston)

G. S. Spicer

98. Not printed.