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at a rate in excess of 4 per cent, per invoice value of goods at the port of export.
Should, however, Sheikh Mobarak-us-Subah, Ruler of Koweit, or his heirs after
him, at any time find it necessary to increase the rate of customs beyond 4 per
cent, ad valorem, Sheikh Mobarak, on behalf of himself and on behalf of his heirs
after him, promises that such an increase shall be levied on the subjects of the
aforesaid English Government only after the consent of the precious Imperial
English Government has been duly asked for and obtained to such increase.
Eleventhly.—And further, Sheikh Mobarak-us-Subah, Ruler of Koweit, on
behalf of himself and on behalf of his heirs after him, promises that the rate levied
on goods imported or exported by the subjects of the aforesaid English Government
to or from Koweit territories shall not exceed the rate levied on goods imported
or exported by his subjects—I mean the people of Koweit—to and from Koweit
territories.
Twelfthly.—It is further clearly understood that Sheikh Mobarak-us-Subah,
Ruler of Koweit, has accepted this rent especially from the precious Imperial
English Government, and that, as for others than it, Sheikh Mobarak-us-Subah
would not accept from among all the Powers, though they should give him more
than this rent, Sheikh Mobarak-us-Subah would not allow them to possess
authority in his dominions, and as for the precious Imperial English Government
he is grateful to them and their generosity is upon him, and that he will not consent
that a Power other than them shall interfere, though they gave him more than
this rent, and he hopes for the permanence of the care of the precious Imperial
English Government and its kindness on him and on his heirs after him, and the
precious Imperial English Government has honoured me with the special
permission that I may assure Sheikh Mobarak-us-Subah, Ruler of Koweit, on
behalf of the precious Imperial English Government, that the aforesaid English
Government does not wish to interfere in the affairs of Koweit, except for the
profit of the people of Koweit and the increase of trade, and knowledge and
friendship between the English Government and the people of Koweit, and, as
regards Sheikh Mobarak-us-Subah and his heirs after him, the desire of the precious
Imperial English Government is that the friendship and agreement between the
English Government and the Sheikh of Koweit may be perpetual.
And, finally, Sheikh Mobarak-us-Subah, at the express wish of the precious
Imperial English Government, promises that this Agreement shall be kept
absolutely secret until such time as the precious Imperial English Government gives
permission for its disclosure. And I, Major S. G. Knox, Political Agent of the
precious Imperial English Government in Koweit, on behalf of the precious
Imperial English Government, have accepted each and all of the terms set forth
in this Agreement, and therefore I have affixed my signature this 8th day of
Ramthan. 1325 H., corresponding to the 15th day of October, 1907 a.d., and to
what I say God is the best witness and protector.
(Signed) S. G. KNOX, Major,
Political Agent, Koweit.
APPENDIX B
(Paragraph 5)
Letter, dated December 21 1942, from the Ruler of Kuwait to the Political Agent,
Bahrain, about customs dues to be paid by British subjects in Kuwait
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency s
No. 251-4/9 of the 20th December, 1942, in which you informed me hat n
all
Majesty’s Government have agreed that British subjects pay 6J per cent. 0
the goods imported into and exported from Kuwait. I wish to thanK
Excellency for this information, but as to the increase of duty to British suJJ
that might take place in future we shall consult His Majesty’s Government
taking any action.