TRADE AGREEMENT (NEWFOUNDLAND).
No. 49 of 1939.
An Act to approve an Agreement between the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Government of Newfoundland in relation to Duties of Customs.
[Assented to 11th December, 1939.]
BE it enacted by the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, as follows:—
Short title.
1. This Act may be cited as the Trade Agreement (Newfoundland) Act 1939.
Commencement.
2. This Act shall come into operation on a date to be fixed by Proclamation.
Approval of Agreement.
3. The Agreement entered into between His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia and the Government of Newfoundland (as set out in the Note from the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in the Commonwealth of Australia to the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Note from the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia to the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in the Commonwealth of Australia, copies of which are set forth in the Schedule to this Act) is hereby approved.
THE SCHEDULE.
EXCHANGE OF NOTES IN RELATION TO THE AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF NEWFOUNDLAND.
No. 1.
High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in the Commonwealth of Australia to the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Office of the High Commissioner for
the United Kingdom,
Canberra,
3rd November, 1939.
Sir,
Acting on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland, I have the honour to inform you that the Government of Newfoundland have intimated that they are prepared to enter into an Agreement with His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia in the following terms:—
(1) The undermentioned goods, the produce or manufacture of Australia, on importation into Newfoundland, shall be accorded exclusive tariff preferences to the extent indicated—
| Butter................................................. | 1 cent per lb. |
| Canned Fruits..................................... | 10 per cent. ad valorem. |
The Schedule—continued.
(2) News-printing paper, not glazed mill-glazed or coated, viz.:—
(a) In rolls not less than 10 inches in width, and
(b) In sheets not less than 20 inches by 25 inches or its equivalent, the produce or manufacture of Newfoundland, on importation into Australia, shall be accorded the benefits of the British Preferential Tariff in force at the time of entry of such goods for home consumption.
I shall be obliged if you will inform me whether His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia would agree to the abovementioned proposals. If so, I suggest that the present Note and your Note in reply be regarded as constituting an Agreement between the two Governments, having effect from a date to be fixed by mutual arrangement and terminable upon six calendar months’ notice by either Government.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
Geoffrey Whiskard.
For and on behalf of the Government
of Newfoundland.
The Right Hon. R. G. Menzies, K.C., M.P.,
Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia,
Canberra, A.C.T.
No. 2.
The Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia to the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in the Commonwealth of Australia.
Commonwealth of Australia,
Prime Minister,
Melbourne, Vic.
7th November, 1939.
Sir,
I desire to acknowledge the receipt of your Note of 3rd November, 1939, and to inform you that His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia is willing to enter into an Agreement with the Government of Newfoundland in the terms set forth therein, viz.:—
(1) The undermentioned goods, the produce or manufacture of Australia, on importation into Newfoundland, shall be accorded exclusive tariff preferences to the extent indicated—
| Butter................................. | 1 cent per lb. |
| Canned Fruits..................... | 10 per cent. ad valorem. |
(2) News-printing paper, not glazed mill-glazed or coated, viz.:—
(a) In rolls not less than 10 inches in width, and
(b) In sheets not less than 20 inches by 25 inches or its equivalent, the produce or manufacture of Newfoundland, on importation into Australia, shall be accorded the benefits of the British Preferential Tariff in force at the time of entry of such goods for home consumption.
In accordance with the suggestion contained in the last paragraph of your Note under reply, the present exchange of Notes will be regarded as constituting an Agreement between the two Governments having effect from a date to be fixed by mutual arrangement and terminable upon six calendar months’ notice by either Government.
I remain,
Yours faithfully,
Robert G. Menzies.
Prime Minister.
Sir Geoffrey Whiskard, K.C.M.G., C.B.,
High Commissioner for the United Kingdom
in the Commonwealth of Australia,
Canberra, A.C.T.