    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [November 10, 2005]
    [Page 1698]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Senate Transmitting Protocol Amending the Sweden-United
    States Taxation Convention
    November 10, 2005

    To the Senate of the United States:
        I transmit herewith for the advice and consent of the Senate to
    ratification, a Protocol Amending the Convention Between the Government
    of the United States of America and the Government of Sweden for the
    Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with
    Respect to Taxes on Income signed at Washington on September 30, 2005
    (the ``Protocol''). Also transmitted for the information of the Senate
    is the report of the Department of State with respect to the Protocol.
        The Protocol eliminates the withholding tax on certain cross-border
    dividend payments. The proposed Protocol is one of a few recent U.S. tax
    agreements to provide for the elimination of the withholding tax on
    dividends arising from certain direct investments. In addition, the
    Protocol also modernizes the Convention to bring it into closer
    conformity with current U.S. tax-treaty policy, including strengthening
    the treaty's provisions preventing so-called treaty shopping.
        I recommend that the Senate give early and favorable consideration
    to this Protocol and that the Senate give its advice and consent to
    ratification.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     November 10, 2005.