M A.—2.

2. Owing to imperfect acquaintance with the German import and export regulations several British visitors to Germany have recently experienced considerable difficulties in that country, and in some cases this has resulted in delay, personal inconvenience, and confiscation of part of the traveller's belongings. I should therefore be glad if your Ministers would cause the information contained in the memorandum to be brought to the notice of all persons proposing to proceed to Germany. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

Enclosure. Regulations foe Travellers to Germany. 1. Passports and Visa Regulations. All persons crossing the German frontier must produce a valid national passport establishing their identity. Passports of foreign nationals must bear the visa of a competent German authority both for entering as well as for leaving Germany. German nationals require a visa for leaving Germany only. In the case of travellers living or permanently residing in Germany—no matter whether they are German nationals or not —the visa can bo replaced by a permit (" Unbedenklichkeitsvermerk ") issued by the competent German Finanzamt. The necessary visas will, in foreign countries, be granted by the German diplomatic and consular representatives, and in Germany by the competent German authorities (Polizeiprdsidien, Landratscimter, Bezirksumler, &c). 2. Regulations as to Import and Export of Currency. On entering Germany. —Travellers carrying more than 50,000 marks in German currency or the equivalent in foreign currency, notes, cheques, bills, any negotiable instruments, or in coin should apply to the German Customs officials at the place of entry for a -certificate stating the actual amount imported. This certificate serves as a permit on leaving Germany to travellers carrying sums up to the equivalent amount. On leaving Germany. —No coin of whatever currency may be exported from Germany without a certificate of previous importation as above. Paper (bank-notes, cheques, bills, or any other negotiable instruments) up to 50,000 marks or the equivalent in foreign currency can be freely exported. Sums exceeding 50,000 marks may only be exported on producing certificate of importation or an export license issued by a German Finanzamt. 3. Regulations as to Import and Export of Goods. Under the existing regulations in Germany the great majority of articles of any description are prohibited from being cither imported or exported except upon the production of a German import or export license. These regulations apply especially to travellers:— (a.) On entering Germany. —Without a certificate of import from the competent German authorities, travellers who take with them such articles only as are actually required for personal use during the journey or for the execution of the traveller's profession during the journey. (b.) On leaving Germany. —Travellers may take with them without providing themselves with an export license the following articles : — (I.) Articles which the traveller has taken with him on entering Germany; evidence that this was the case may, however, in certain circumstances be demanded, more especially in the case of articles of value, such as jewellery. Travellers entering Germany are therefore advised to obtain a certificate of importation for all such articles from the German Customs officials on entering Germany. (2.) Further, only such articles as are required for the traveller's personal use during the journey or for the execution of his profession during the journey. In the case of new articles (purchased during his sojourn in Germany) this is conditional upon the traveller declaring same to the German Customs officials without any attempt at evasion or concealment. In their own interest, therefore, travellers are earnestly advised to open and place before the Customs officials all their luggage for examination. (4.) In all other cases an export license is required for prohibited articles. Import and export licenses are (provided, the articles bought do not in any way contravene the regulations as to the control of export trade) obtainable at the competent export trade departments (Aussenhandelsstellen). The above regulations are subject to alterations. Travellers are therefore advised on entering Germany to make inquiries with the Customs officials at the place of entry or, before leaving Germany after a prolonged stay, at the Tourists' Offices as to any changes in the regulations.

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