Page:Declaration between Great Britain and France with regard to the Kingdom of Siam and other matters.pdf/6

5  between France and England, will serve to exercise a beneficent influence over the people subject to the authority of the two countries dwelling in the neighbourhood of their respective possessions. It will testify in particular to their joint solicitude for the security and stability of the Kingdom of Siam. The assurances exchanged by the two Governments, in fact, imply on the part of each of them the desire to maintain with that kingdom the most friendly relations, as well as the intention to respect existing Conventions.

I doubt not that your Lordship shares my view in this regard, and I avail myself of this opportunity, &c.

(Signed)ALPH. DE COURCEL.  The Marquess of Salisbury to Baron de Courcel.

the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your note of this day's date, in which you announce that your Government accept the arrangements agreed upon between us for the settlement of various questions which have recently been the subject of discussion between our two Governments, and that you are authorized to sign the Declaration in which these arrangements are set forth.

I have received this announcement with much satisfaction, and shall be ready to sign the Declaration with you at once.

You state that your Government feel confident that the conclusion of these negotiations, by giving evidence of the good understanding established between Great Britain and France, will be calculated to exercise a salutary influence over the populations subject to the authority of the two countries or dwelling in the neighbourhood of their respective possessions.

You add that the Declaration will, in particular, give evidence of the joint solicitude of the two Governments for the security and stability of the Kingdom of Siam, and that the assurances which they have exchanged imply the desire on the part of each of them to maintain with that kingdom the most friendly relations, and to respect existing Conventions.

I have pleasure in receiving and taking note of this statement of the views and intentions of your Government, and, in offering you the same assurances on the part of the Government of Her Britannic Majesty, I have, &c. (Signed)SALISBURY.