Directory_and_Chronicle_1901 — Page 114

TREATY OF PEACE, FRIENDSHIP, AND COMMERCE BETWEEN FRANCE AND CHINA

SIGNED AT TIENTSIN, 9TH JUNE, 1885

The President of the French Republic and His Majesty the Emperor of China each animated by an equal desire to bring to an end the difficulties which have given rise to their simultaneous intervention in the affairs of Annam, and wishing to re-establish and improve the relations of friendship and commerce which previously existed between France and China, have resolved to conclude a new treaty to further the common interest of both nations on the basis of the preliminary Convention signed at Tientsin on the 11th May, 1884, and ratified by an Imperial decree of the 13th April, 1885.

For that purpose the two high contracting parties have appointed as their pleni- potentiaries the following, that is to say:-

The President of the French Republic, M. Jules Patenôtre, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary for France in China, Officer of the Legion of Honour, Grand Cross of the Swedish Order of the Pole Star, &c., &c.

And His Majesty the Emperor of China, Li Hung-chang, Imperial Commissioner, Senior Grand Secretary of State, Grand Honorary Preceptor of the Heir Presumptive; Superintendent of Trade for the Northern Ports, Governor-General of the Province of Chihli, of the First degree of the Third Order of Nobility, with the title of Sou-yi; Assisted by Hsi Chen, Imperial Commissioner, Member of the Tsung-li Yamên, President of the Board of Punishments, Administrator of the Treasury at the Ministry of Finance, Director of Schools for the Education of Hereditary Officers of the Left Wing of the Yellow Bordered Banner;

And Teng Chang-su, Imperial Commissioner, Member of the Tsung-li Yamên, Director of the Board of Ceremonies;

Who having communicated their full powers, which have been found in good and due form, have agreed upon the following Articles :—

Art. I.-France engages to re-establish and maintain order in those provinces of Annam which border upon the Chinese empire. For this purpose she will take the necessary measures to disperse or expel the bands of pirates and vagabonds who endanger the public safety, and to prevent their collecting together again. Nevertheless the French troops shall not, under any circumstances, cross the frontier which separates Tonkin from China, which frontier France promises both to respect herself and to guarantee against any aggression whatsoever.

On her part China undertakes to disperse or expel such bands as may take refuge in her provinces bordering on Tonkin and to disperse those which it may be attempted to form there for the purpose of causing disturbances amongst the populations placed under the protection of France; and, in consideration of the guarantees which have been given as to the security of the frontier, she likewise engages not to send troops into Tonkin.

The high contracting parties will fix, by a special convention, the conditions under which the extradition of malefactors between China and Annam shall be carried out. The Chinese, whether colonists or disbanded soldiers, who reside peaceably in Annam, supporting themselves by agriculture. industry, or trade, and whose conduct shall give no cause of complaint, shall enjoy the same security for their property as French protégés.

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