From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Letter regarding the procedure for temporarily importing new cars into France using a Touring Acquit.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 76\1\ scan0262 | |
| Date | 22th December 1924 | |
| Confidential. Y677 To: "Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}", DERBY. Paris HK{Col. T. Harker - Sales}10/Dn22.12.24. I am much obliged to you for the memo you sent me recently regarding the question of sending over the new type cars to Chateauroux, and in this respect give you the following information. After due reflection, I do not see why we should not have the cars sent over under a TOURING ACQUIT which is by no means a risky procedure, and in case of need can be obtained for one year, or perhaps more in the event of it being necessary. The formalities connected with this operation are very simple, and so long as the chassis number, engine number, and summary description are noted on the papers, there should not be any hitch. Our Transport Agents: The General Transport Company, 6, rue Martel, P A R I S. (Xe), have made a speciality of importation of cars into France by this means. Should the method suggested, be adopted, it would be necessary for us to provide the General Transport Company with a Banker's guarantee for the approximate amount of the duty, provide the cars with British registration numbers, and have all the car papers in order, such as tax papers, etc. No seals are placed on the cars by the customs for "Touring Acquits" granted, the Chassis and Engine numbers, together with descriptions of the cars, coupled with the Rolls-Royce reputation, being sufficient for the authorities over here, according to our Transport Agents' report. I have, of course, not lost sight of the fact that your idea for paying duty on one car was with a view to our later on having an up-to-date car on the spot, but this matter could, I think be tackled later on, and if necessary, duty paid eventually. Should you desire to have any further particulars on this subject, in order to allay any fears you might have respecting the mode of procedure suggested, The General Transport Company inform me that they will gladly give you additional details, but I do not think you need have any fear about back-door methods in this connection, as we have employed this system now for a great number of cars, and had no trouble so far. I have | ||