2
Dans le cas où l'inculpé invoquerait l'exception de crime politique ou de crime connexe à un crime politique, les circonstances du crime ou délit devraient faire l'objet d'un examen particulièrement attentif et minutieux, de façon que le coupable ne puisse se soustraire à l'action de la justice en alléguant un faux prétexte.
Art. 5. Si des gens malintentionnés se livraient au transport clandestin d'armes ou de munitions, les autorités de la frontière des deux pays devraient prendre d'actives et sérieuses mesures pour s'y opposer, et empêcher ainsi la contrebande et le ravitaille- ment.
}
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.] 347
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[29898]
No. 1.
[August 9.]
9354
SECTION 7.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received August 9.)
(No. 259.) Sir,
Peking, July 20, 1909. I HAVE the honour to transmit to you herewith copies of decrees by which the Emperor reserves to himself the supreme command of the naval and military forces of the Empire, a special advisory council is created to study and advise upon the reorganisation of the Army and Navy, and certain officials, including the Emperor's brother, Prince Tsai Hsun, are appointed to carry the plan into effect.
Stripped of the verbiage as to constitutional methods and precedents, these decrees indicate a desire on the part of the Government to keep the question of the improvement of China's defensive forces before the public, and to educate opinion upon the importance of efficiency in that direction.
It may be doubted whether China will ever possess a really adequate army or navy until she has effected a radical change in her methods of Government and administration.
The chief interest, from a British point of view, of these decrees lies in the promise they contain of renewed activity in the work of organisation and development and of the consequent placing of orders for warships and materials abroad, in which it is important that British firms should make every effort to secure at least their due share.
I have, &c.
J. N. JORDAN,
(Translation.)
Inclosure in No. 1.
Imperial Decrees issued July 15, 1909.
(1.)
THE commissioner of constitutional reform has recently memorialised that in the general scheme of constitutional reform it was provided that the Sovereign should have supreme command over the military and naval forces.
An edict on this subject was issued and promulgated by the late Emperor, and acting in accordance with His late Majesty's dying commands we now hereby especially announce that in accordance with the fundamental principle of constitutional reform we constitute ourselves supreme commander-in-chief of all the military and naval forces of the Empire, thus following the methods of our ancestors the Emperors Tai Tzu and Tai Tsung who laid the foundations of our dynasty, and who personally commanded the Imperial army. Our object is to stir up our army to value the profession of arms and to aim at a strong army.
Moreover let a special military advisory council be formed to assist us to thoroughly consider the military and naval affairs of the whole nation.
We bereby appoint the Pei-Lo (Prince of the 3rd order) Yu Lang to direct this military advisory council. We have not yet personally taken up the government, as we are still of tender age and our education is proceeding. Wherefore until we direct state affairs the duties of the supreme commander-in-chief of the military and naval forces of the Empire should be temporarily discharged by the Prince Regent, in order to observe the rules of the constitution. As regards the necessary arrangements and preparations let the military advisory council deliberate on the matter forthwith and memorialise for instructions.
This decree is to be published for the information of all officials and people.
[2891 i--7]
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.