CO129-497 - Public Offices - 1926 — Page 28

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with the programme of Treaty revision which was foreshadowed at Washington or to arrive at a settlement of any of the outstanding questions re- lating to the position of foreigners in China. The political disintegration in China has, however,

been accompanied by the growth of a powerful nationalist movement which aimed at gaining for China an equal place among the nations and ay failure to meet this movement with sympathy and understanding would not respond to the real in-

tentione of the Powers towards China.

6. His Majesty's Government after carefully reviewing the position desire to submit their con- sidered opinion as to the course which the Washington

Treaty Powers should now adopt. His Majesty's Government propose that these governments shall issue

a statement setting forth the essential facts of the situation; declaring their readiness to negotiate

on treaty revision and all other outstanding ques-

tions as soon as the Chinese themselves have consti-

tuted a government with authority to negotiate; and stating their intentions pending the establishment of such a government to pursue a constructive policy in harmony with the spirit of the Washington Conference but developed and adapted to meet the altered circum-

stances of the prosent tims.

i

7. His Majesty's Government propose that in this joint declaration the Powers should make it clear

that in their constructive policy they desire to go as far as possible towards meeting the legitimate aspire-

tions of the Chinese nation. TRAXPENGI should abandon should declare eir readiness to the idea that the economic and political development ognise her right of China can only be secured under foreign tutelage.

he enjoyment ariff Autonomy

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oon as she herself has settled and promulgated a new national tariff.

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ade