New-York tribune., 1906-05-24
TREATY.
RATIFICATION FAVORED.
amendments, HO5ceUer, May Cause
Rejection by Great Britain.

Havana, May 2s.-The Senate Committee on
Foreign Relations this evening reported on the
treaty between Great Britain and Cuba which
was signed twelve months ago, recommending
It's ratification with certain amendments It is
expected that these amendments viii be dis
tasteful to Great Britain. and IL is considered
doubtful il the government Of that country will
accept the treaty as amended. The report Of
the committee will be discussed in the Senate
on Friday next
The committee, consulted all the commercial
and agricultural associations Of the island with
the purpose of bringing out the Objectionable
features Of the treaty, and carefully considered
the governments contention that the rejection
Of the treaty would affect Cubas sovereignty IN
the eyes of the world. The committee reached
the conclusion that the sovereignty Of Cuba al
ready was fully recognized by other treaties with
Great Britain and other countries The report
dwelt on the apprehension that the most favored
nation clause, which is a feature Of the treaty.
but does not apply to customs duties if ap-
piled Immediately and uncondtiOnaly pro-
vided by the treaty, might be a source OF danger.
The committee was anxious to leave the way
absolutely clear for the negotiation in the future
Of reciprocity treaties with the United States
and other nations.
The committee says the provision permitting
British war and merchant ships to re-equip in
Cuban ports is understood TO apply only In times
OF peace, and as grave misunderstanding might
arise in certain cases. it recommends that the
provision be so expressed in definite terms.
The principal recommendations OF the commit
tee are:
To insert the stipulation that port privileges
named in the treaty shall not apply to cOastwise
commerce or to fisheries.
To amend so that the contracting parties shall
not nave the right to apply the favored nation
clause with relation to reciprocal concessions
which either country may grant IN future to a
third power.
To add paragraph to the article covering
equality in treatment and charges other than
tariff charges on all articles imported by either
country in vessels of the other, to the effect that
this article shall not apply in any case of re-
bates reductions in premiums granted by IN
ternal legislation by treaties with other coun-
tries which, in the Judgment OF the contracting
party, may involve notifications. advantages.
differences, direct or indirect on tar1n duties
in Cuba Cuban articles entering foreign
countries.
The words immediately and Internationally"
to be stricken from the article granting the same
privileges in ports of either country which may
| be granted to any third power
The words "in time OF peace" to be inserted in
the article permitting the re-equipment of ships
in ports Of either party.
The words Immediately and unconditionaIly''
to be stricken from the article giving conces-
sions or immunities to each party in matters of
commerce, navigation and Industry equal TO
those which are or may be granted to subjects of
| any third country.
The intent of the entire report is to keep the
way open to better reciprocal commercial rela-
tions with the United States
| The present Senate is not likely to ratify the
treaty in its original form. as the convention is
known to be regarded by the United States gov
| ernment with suspicion. The amending of the
treaty will at least give an opportunity to nego-
| tiate a reciprocity treaty with the United
| States. If Great Britain should be unwilling to
accept the amendments the treaty may be con-
| sidered dead.