No doubt whatever exists as to the strict and literal sense which should be assigned to the term in commercial matters. It refers exclusively to traffic, to the unlimited power of every one to sell and to buy, to import and to export products and manufactured articles. No privileged situation can be created under this head, the way remains open without any restrictions to free competition in the domain of commerce, but the obligations of local Governments do not go beyond that point.
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New Africa; an essay on government civilization in new countries, and on the foundation, organization and administration of the Congo Free State, COMMERCIAL FREEDOM, Page 59. Baron Lambermont's report, included in the fourth protocol of the Berlin Conference.