Treaty between the United Kingdom and Siam (1909)/Annex 3
Annex 3.
Mr. Paget to Prince Devawongse.
In view of the position of British possessions in the Malay Peninsula and of the contiguity of the Siamese Malay provinces with British-protected territory, His Majesty’s Government are desirous of receiving an assurance that the Siamese Government will not permit any danger to arise to British interests through the use of any portion of the Siamese dominions in the peninsula for military or naval purposes by foreign Powers.
His Majesty’s Government would therefore request that the Siamese Government shall not cede or lease, directly or indirectly, to any foreign Government any territory situated in the Malay Peninsula south of the southern boundary of the Monthon Rajaburi, or in any of the islands adjacent to the said territory; also that within the limits above mentioned a right to establish or lease any coaling station, to build or own any construction or repairing docks, or to occupy exclusively any harbours the occupation of which would be likely to be prejudicial to British interests from a strategic point of view, shall not be granted to any foreign Government or Company.
Since this assurance is desired as a matter of political expediency only, the phrase “coaling station” would not be held to include such small deposits of coal as may be required for the purpose of the ordinary shipping engaged in the Malay Peninsula coasting trade.
RALPH PAGET.
Prince Devawongse to Mr. Paget.
I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your note of this date, in which you express the desire of your Government that the Siamese Government shall not cede or lease, directly or indirectly, to any foreign Government any territory situated in the Malay Peninsula south of the southern boundary of the Monthon of Rajaburi or in any of the islands adjacent to the said territory; also that within the limits above mentioned a right to establish or lease any coaling station, to build or own any construction or repairing docks, or to occupy exclusively any harbours the occupation of which would be likely to be prejudicial to British interests from a strategic point of view, shall not be granted to any foreign Government or Company.
In reply, I beg to say that the Siamese Government gives its assurance to the above effect, taking note that the phrase “coaling station” shall not include such small deposits of coal as may be required for the purpose of the ordinary shipping engaged in the Malay Peninsula coasting trade.
I avail, &c.
DEVAWONGSE,
Minister for Foreign Affairs.