Inclosure in No. 1.
Extract from the "Japan Times" of April 10, 1908.
POLICY OF EXCLUSION IN MANCHURIA
AS far back as a year ago we put ourselves on record as opposed to a policy of exclusion in Manchuria, the occasion for our comments having been furnished by the Russian administrative organization for Harbin then announced. Russia's contention at the time, as it is now, was that, in virtue of a special stipulation in the Chinese Eastern Railway Agreement, she possessed the right of exclusive jurisdiction over Harbin. We pointed out that, since clause 2, Article III of the Portsmouth Treaty, imposes it on both Japan and Russia "to restore entirely and completely to the exclusive administration of China all portions of Manchuria," and also in view of Article IV of the same Treaty, in which the two Powers engage "not to obstruct any general measures common to all countries which China may take for the development of the commerce and industry of Manchuria," the measure Russia intended to put in force with regard to Harbin was at variance with the Treaty of Peace. Since then the validity of the Russian claim remained untested until the recent objection raised thereanent by the United States' Consul at Harbin. Seeing that the question has become a subject of international negotiation, we see no reason why we should alter the attitude we originally took on the matter, Not only do we see no need for any change of view in this respect, but we consider it urgent that the point at issue be decided fairly and justly with all promptitude, and the only fair and just decision should be the one in consonance with the letter and spirit of the Articles referred to, that is, to restore "entirely and completely to the exclusive administration of China all portions of Manchuria," except those provided for by the Portsmouth Treaty. It is intolerable to have different questions crop up one after another about Manchuria, which directly or indirectly will need involve this country, and the speedier they are settled with justice to whom it is due the more conducive it will be to the permanent peace of the Far East.
In taking the attitude we have assumed above, we are not unaware that any settlement which goes against Russia in this connection will also affect disadvantageously the interests of Japan from a certain point of view. But we differ wholly from those who think that all the advantages we have come to enjoy in Manchuria more accidentally than otherwise should be indiscriminately adhered to by book or by crook. It should appeal to the noblest of Bushido tenets to undo for China, as far as is consistent with the Treaties of Portsmouth and Peking, whatever measures we may have judged unjust when imposed by Russia. We are reconciled with Russia now and cherish it as our sincere hope that our friendship will grow more cordial with the years that go. But this should not be at the expense of the policy and principles whereby we have won the confidence of the civilized world. We have told China and also the world over and over again that Japan in Manchuria will not be a second Russia. In all reasonable circumstances we should stand by China, therefore, when she fights for her legitimate rights and interests, and most of all when insidious attempts are made to encroach on her sovereignty.
This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL.
530
18960
IPE MAY 08:
[May 2.]
Rece
SECTION 1.
[14952]
(No. 128.) Sir,
No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey-(Received May 2.)
Peking, March 17, 1908.
WITH reference to my despatch No. 209 of the 1st May, 1907, I have the honour to inclose copy of a letter which Mr. Bland has to-day addressed to the Board of Communications, recapitulating the arrangements which have been made in respect of certain outstanding matters connected with the Shanghae-Nanking Railway.
As regards the proposed change in the system of control, it will be seen that the British and Chinese Corporation have suggested a procedure which, in their view, should meet the wishes of the Chinese Government and promote a satisfactory working of the railway.
Mr. Bland informs me that, from an interview which he had with the Board to-day, he has reason to believe that they are prepared to accept the terms of his letter.
I have, &c. (Signed) J. N. JORDAN.
Inclosure in No. 1.
Mr. Bland to Board of Communications.
Your Excellency,
Peking, March 17, 1908.
ON the 11th September, 1907, I had the honour of attending a meeting at your Board to discuss the affairs of the Shanghae-Nanking Railway, and since that date I have had several conversations with your Excellency on the same subject, with the result that the various questions outstanding have all been arranged. I have therefore now to recapitulate the conclusions arrived at in these negotiations, for your Excellency's information and record.
Your Excellency is aware that in 1906, when his Excellency Tong Shao Yi was Director-General of the Shanghae-Nanking Railway, he expressed a strong wish that the Corporation might consent to modification of the railway's system of administration and control. After the matter had received careful attention of my Board of Directors I was authorized to state that the Corporation, anxious to meet with the views of the Chinese Government, was prepared to co-operate in the experimental introduction of a modified system, under conditions which should involve no breach of the Loan Agreement nor anything prejudicial to the interests of the holders of bonds and profit certificates. These conditions were set forth in the letter which I had the honour to address to his Excellency Tong on the 31st December, 1906. To this letter your Board, after certain further negotiations, replied on the 17th May last, and by a further supplementary note on the 23rd idem.
In my letter of the 31st December, 1906, I referred to certain matters outstanding, viz., purchase of land for double track, provision of capital to complete the line, and payment of the Corporation's commission on materials. These questions have now been arranged as follows:-
Purchase of Land.
The Board of Communications undertakes that whenever the construction of the double track becomes necessary for traffic the additional land required will be acquired by the Chinese Government.
Provision of Capital.
It is understood and agreed that the balance of capital required to construct and equip the railway (estimated at 140,000l.) will be provided by the Imperial Chinese Government.
T
له
Inclosure in No. 1.
Extract from the "Japan Times" of April 10, 1908.
POLICY OF EXCLUSION IN MANCHURIA,
AS far back as a year ago we put ourselves on record as opposed to a policy of exclusion in Manchuria, the occasion for our comments having been furnished by the Russian administrative organization for Harbin then announced. Russia's contention at the time, as it is now, was that, in virtue of a special stipulation in the Chinese Eastern Railway Agreement, she possessed the right of exclusive jurisdiction over Harbin. We pointed out that, since clause 2, Article III of the Portsmouth Treaty, imposes it on both Japan and Russia "to restore entirely and completely to the exclusive administration of China all portions of Manchuria," and also in view of Article IV of the same Treary, in which the two Powers engage "not to obstruct any general measures common to all countries which China may take for the development of the commerce and industry of Manchuria," the measure Russia intended to put in force with regard to Harbin was at variance with the Treaty of Peace. Since then the validity of the Russian claim remained untested until the recent objection raised thereanent by the United States' Consul at Harbin. Seeing that the question has become a subject of international negotiation, we see no reason why we should alter the attitude we originally took on the matter, Not only do we see no need for any change of view in this respect, but we consider it urgent that the point at issue be decided fairly and justly with all promptitude, and the only fair and just decision should be the one in consonance with the letter and spirit of the Articles referred to, that is, to restore "entirely and completely to the exclusive administration of China all portions of Manchuria," except those provided for by the Portsmouth Treaty. It is intolerable to have different questions crop up one after another about Manchuria, which directly or indirectly will need involve this country, and the speedier they are settled with justice to whom it is due the more conducive it will be to the permanent peace of the Far East.
In taking the attitude we have assumed above, we are not unaware that any settlement which goes against Russia in this connection will also affect dis- advantageously the interests of Japan from a certain point of view. But we differ wholly from those who think that all the advantages we have come to enjoy in Manchuria more accidentally than otherwise should be indiscriminately adhered to by book or by crook. It should appeal to the noblest of Bushido tenents to undo for China, as far as is consistent with the Treaties of Portsmouth and Peking, whatever measures we may have judged unjust when imposed by Russia. We are reconciled with Russia now and cherish it as our sincere hope that our friendship will grow more cordial with the years that go. But this should not be at the expense of the policy and principles whereby we have won the confidence of the civilized world. We have told China and also the world over and over again that Japan in Manchuria will not be a second Russia. In all reasonable circumstances we should stand by China, therefore, when she fights for her legitimate rights and interests, and most of all when insidious attempts are made to encroach on her sovereignty.
This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government..
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL.
530
18960
IPE MAY 08:
[May 2.]]
Rece
SECTION 1.
[14952]
(No. 128.) Sir,
No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey-(Received May 2.)
Peking, March 17, 1908. WITH reference to my despatch No. 209 of the 1st May, 1907, I have the honour to inclose copy of a letter which Mr. Bland has to-day addressed to the Board of Communications, recapitulating the arrangements which have been made in respect of certain outstanding matters connected with the Shanghae-Nanking Railway.
As regards the proposed change in the system of control, it will be seen that the British and Chinese Corporation have suggested a procedure which, in their view, should meet the wishes of the Chinese Government and promote a satisfactory working of the railway.
Mr. Bland informs me that, from an interview which he had with the Board to-day, he has reason to believe that they are prepared to accept the terms of his letter.
I bave, &c. (Signed) J. N. JORDAN.
Inclosure in No. 1.
Mr. Bland to Board of Communications.
Your Excellency,
Peking, March 17, 1908. ON the 11th September, 1907, I had the honour of attending a meeting at your Board to discuss the affairs of the Shanghae-Nanking Railway, and since that date I have had several conversations with your Excellency on the same subject, with the result that the various questions outstanding have all been arranged. I have therefore now to recapitulate the conclusions arrived at in these negotiations, for your Excellency's information and record.
Your Excellency is aware that in 1906, when his Excellency Tong Shao Yi was Director-General of the Shanghae-Nanking Railway, he expressed a strong wish that the Corporation might consent to modification of the railway's system of administration and control. After the matter had received careful attention of my Board of Directors I was authorized to state that the Corporation, anxious to meet with the views of the Chinese Government, was prepared to co-operate in the experimental introduction of a modified system, under conditions which should involve no breach of the Loan Agreement nor anything prejudicial to the interests of the holders of bonds and profit certificates. These conditions were set forth in the letter which I had the honour to address to his Excellency Tong on the 31st December, 1906. To this letter your Board, after certain further negotiations, replied on the 17th May last, and by a further supplementary note on the 23rd iden.
In my letter of the 81st December, 1906, I referred to certain matters outstanding, viz., purchase of land for double track, provision of capital to complete the line, and payment of the Corporation's commission on materials. These questions have now been arranged as follows:-
Purchase of Land.
The Board of Communications undertakes that whenever the construction of the double track becomes necessary for traffic the additional land required will be acquired by the Chinese Government.
Provision of Capital.
It is understood and agreed that the balance of capital required to construct and equip the railway (estimated at 140,0001.) will be provided by the Imperial Chinese
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