Directory_and_Chronicle_1900 — Page 175

TREATY BETWEEN JAPAN AND CHINA

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Art. I.-China recognizes definitely the full and complete independence and autonomy of Corea, and, in consequence, the payment of tribute and the perform- ance of ceremonies and formalities by Corea to China in derogation of such independ- ence and autonomy shall wholly cease for the future.

Art. II.-China cedes to Japan in perpetuity and full sovereignty the follow- ing territories, together with all fortifications, arsenals, and public prop rty thereon:- (a.) The southern portion of the Province of Feng-tien, within the following boundaries--

The line of demarcation begins at the mouth of the River Yalu, and ascends that stream to the mouth of the River An-ping; foin thence the line runs to Fêng Huang; from thence to Haicheng; from thence to Ying Kow, forming a line which describes; the southern portion of the territory. The places above named are included in the ceded territory. When the line reaches the River Liao at Ying Kow it follows the course of that stream to its mouth, where it terminates. The mid-channel of the River Liao shall be taken as the line of demarcation.

This cession also includes all islands apportaining or belonging to the Province of Fêng Tien situated in the eastern portion of the Bay of Liao Tung, and in the northern part of the Yellow Sea.

(b.) The Island of Formosa, together with all islands appertaining or belonging to the said Island of Formosa.

(c.) The Pescadores Group, that is to say, all islands lying between the 119th and 120th degrees of longitude east of Greenwich and the 23rd and 24th degrees of north latitude.

Art. III. The alignments of the frontiers described in the preceding Article, and shown on the annexed map, shall be subject to verification and demarcation on the spot by a Joint Commission of Delimitation, consisting of two or more Japanese and two or more Chinese Delegates, to be appointed immediately after the exchange of the ratifications of this Act. In case the boundaries laid down in this Act are found to be defective at any point, either on account of topography or in consideration of good administration, it shall also be the duty of the Delimitation Commission to rectify the same.

The Delimitation Commission will enter upon its duties as soon as possible, and will bring its labours to a conclusion within the period of one year after appointment. The alignments laid down in this Act shall, however, be maintained until the rectifications of the Delimitation Commission, if any are made, shall have received the approval of the Governments of Japan and China.

Art. IV.-China agrees to pay to Japan as a war indemnity the sum 200,000,000 Kuping taels. The said sum to be paid in eight instalments. The first instalment of 50,000,000 taels to be paid within six months, and the second instalment of 50,000,000 taels to be paid within twelve months after the exchange of the ratifications of this Act. The remaining sun to be paid in six equal annual instalments as follows: the first of such equal annual instalments to be paid within two years, the second with- in three years, the third within four years, the fourth within five years, the fifth within six vears, and the sixth within seven years after the exchange of the ratifications of this Act. Interest at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum shall begin to run on all unpaid portions of the said indemnity from the date the first instalment falls due.

China shall, however, have the right to pay by anticipation at any time any or all of said instalments. In case the whole amount of the said indemnity is paid within three years after the exchange of the ratifications of the present Act, all interest shall be waived, and the interest for two years and a-half, or for any less period if then already paid, shall be included as a part of the principal amount of the indemnity.

Art. V. The inhabitants of the territories ceded to Japan who wish to take up their residence outside the ceded districts shall be at liberty to sell their real property and retire. For this purpose a period of two years from the date of the exchange of the ratifications of the present Act shall be granted. At the expiration of that