UNPLEASANT INCIDENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19474, 8 May 1925, Page 7

UNPLEASANT INCIDENT

CUSTOMS DUTY ON BRITISH FLAG

AMERICANS ANNOYED. Pro«« A*»ocistion—By Telegraph—Copyright, NEW YORK, May 6. (Received May 7, at 5.5 p.m.) A mild sensation was caused when the British delegates to the convention of Associated Advertising Clubs of the world, which is being held at Houston, Texas, were compelled to pay 12 dollars customs duty on a British flag which had; been brought for presentation to tbe city of Houston. t Tbe story dates back to last year s convention in F.ngland, when the New York delegation carried flags of tho United States, New York State, and New York city, which were presented to York city. On that occasion the Duke of York and other dignitaries received the American delegation with elaborate ceremony. The city" of York accepted tho flags, placing them reverently* in the city hall. _ This year the British delegates, desiring to return the courtesy, brought a largo British flag for Houston. When the Customs officials Questioned tho Britishers they explained that the (lag was intended for a gift, and not for sale. Notwithstanding indignant protests by their American hosts to the customs authorities, tho Britishers wore advised that the duty on the flag was 12 dollars, which they paid. American advertising men, still angered at what they regarded as an affront to their guests. have demanded a of the sum paid. The New York officials dispassionately replied that tho money was in the till, and only an Act of Congress could get it out. The Washington officials asserted that the law says flags must pay 50 per cent. dntv. and there is no more reason for suspending if’ for the Britishers than for suspending the Prohibition law for them, hut privately they' deplored tho necessity for collecting tlio money.—A. and N.Z. Cable.