Page 624 - Mastermind: The Truth of the British Deep State Revealed

try, and urgently necessitated the discovery of new markets. Even in its peri-

od of decline, the Ottoman Empire was still one of the richest countries in
the world, with its vast territory and affluent people. This appetizing, poten-

tially profitable market suddenly made it the center of the British deep state's
attention. Britain did everything in its power to sign a free trade deal with the

Ottomans, in an attempt to exert its influence over this market. The Treaty
424
of Balta Liman signed between the Ottoman Empire and Great Britain as a

trade agreement on August 16, 1838, was the enactment of this desire.

The highlights of the agreement were as follows:

1- New capitulations will be added to the existing ones.

2- Britain will be allowed to freely buy and sell their agricultural and

industrial products.
3- The Ottoman Empire will abolish all monopolies over domestic

trade as well as bans on export.

4- Foreign merchants will enjoy the same rights and privileges as the
local merchants of the Ottoman Empire.

5- Taxes on export will be 12%, and import 5%.

Mastermind: The Truth of the British Deep State Revealed