Alexandria Advertiser And Commercial Intelligencer

[Translated for the Palladium.]

Hague, March 3.

The government of the Batavian Republic makes known, that as the grant of the East India Company has expired, it has thought necessary, that the moment the state shall have entered into possession of the major part of its establishments in India, to make new regulations of commerce and navigation, to prevent a stagnation of business, till the general system of administration for Asiatic possessions shall take place. It has, therefore, decreed as follows:

Navigation and commerce between the ports of the Republic and Batavia, as well as with the west of India, are freely opened to all Batavian citizens, on the following conditions: By the west of India, is meant the western side of the island of Sumatra, as well as Malacca, and all which is situated to the west and south of the said Island, to the Cape of Good Hope.

They may carry thither all effects and merchandize whatever, except warlike stores and opium.

All the usual articles of commerce in the west of India, including the sugar of Zara, and without any other exception but that of Tea shall be freely admitted into Batavia, whether brought in Batavian or foreign bottoms; provided they are directly from India, and pay the usual duties of entry.

With respect to the commercial articles of Batavia, sugar alone shall be imported into the Republic by individuals. The government of India nevertheless shall have the power of selling, in case of necessity, other articles, and of lading ships on account of the state, according as the said government shall judge advantageous.

To favor commerce as much as possible, it has been decreed, that vessels sailing from the Dutch possessions to Bengal, and along the Shore of Malabar and Coromandel, returning directly into the ports of the mother country, shall pay no duties of import of any kind.

Ships shall make their returns into the ports of the mother country, without being allowed to discharge or sell their cargoes elsewhere, under any pretext whatsoever, under penalty of confiscation both of ship and cargo; the owner remaining responsible in this respect.

Vessels sailing for the East Indies shall be obliged to transport a certain number of troops, land or sea, according to their size. They shall be indemnified for the support of the men while on board.

(Signed) SPOORS, President.