What present treaty says

The Treaty of Friendship at present in force in Tonga between Britain and the kingdom was signed on August 26, 1958, by the then Governor of Fiji, Sir Ronald Garvey, and Queen Salote. It contains 10 articles. These are the most important: Article 3 gives Britain authority to conduct Tonga's external rela tions, but lays down that Britain must consult with Tonga before entering into any international agreement in relation to Tonga.

Article 4 guarantees that Britain will defend Tonga and allows Britain, with the agreement of Tonga, to seek the assistance of any other nation in that defence. Tonga must permit British forces to be stationed in the kingdom and give Britain full control over them.

Article 5 makes it necessary for Tonga to get the consent of Britain before she enacts any legislation relating to defence, banking, currency and exchange, or which would place restrictions on non-Tongans that are not also placed on Tongans.

Article 6 appoints a British Commissioner and Consul in Tonga as the medium of communication between the two governments, and gives him power to make representations to the Tongan Government. It permits Tonga to appoint a Trade Commissioner in the United Kingdom.

Article 7 gives British courts precedence over Tongan courts in certain criminal proceedings against non-Tongans. It allows Britain to establish her own courts in Tonga or to remove non-Tongans for trial elsewhere.