Directory_and_Chronicle_1904 — Page 221

THE MANCHURIAN CONVENTION

111

Chinese troops in Manchuria as well as the Russian troops which have not been withdrawn; the Chinese Government undertakes besides not to raise any other troops above the number determined in this way by the Russian military authorities and Dzian-dziuns, which ought to be sufficient to exterminate the brigands and to pacify the country.

After the complete evacuation of the Russian troops the Chinese Government will have the right to vary the number of troops in Manchuria and to augment or reduce them by informing beforehand the Imperial Government, because it is self-evident that the maintenance of troops in the aforesaid province in superfluous numbers will inevitably lead to the reinforcement of the Russian military forces in the neighbouring district, and will also result in increased military expenses to the great disadvantage of the two States.

For the police service and for the maintenance of order in this region outside the territory ceded to the "Société du Chemin-de-fer Chinois de l'Est" there will bo formed by the local Governors and Dzian-dziuns, a Chinese gendarmerie mounted and unmounted, composed exclusively of the subjects of H.M. the Emperor of China. Art. IV.—The Russian Government consents to restore to the Chinese Govern- ment the Railway lines of Shanhaikwan, Yingkow, Sinminting occupied and protect- ed by the Russian troops since the end of the month of September, 1900, in consi- deration of which the Chinese Government undertakes:-

1. That in the case of it being necessary to asssure the security of the aforesaid lines the Chinese Government will undertake this itself and will not invite any other Power to undertake or participate in the defence, construction, or exploitation of these lines, and will not permit the foreigu Powers to occupy the territory restored by Russia.

2.-That the above-mentioned railway lines will be completed and exploited on the precise basis, both of the arrangement between Russia and Great Britain dated 16th April, 1899, and of the contract undertaken on the 26th September, 1888, with a certain Company relative to a loan for the construction of the aforesaid lines and besides to observe the obligations assured by this Company especially not to take possession of the line Shanhaikwan, Yingkow, Sinminting, nor to dispose of it in any possible way.

3.--That if eventually the continuation of the railway lines in the south of Man- churia is proceeded with or the construction of branch lines towards these as well as the construction of a bridge at Yingkow or transferring the terminus of the Railway at Shanhaikwan where it now is, this shall be done according to an undertaking between the Governments of Russia and China.

4.-That as the expenses incurred by Russia for the re-establishment and exploitation of the restored railway lines of Shanhaikwan, Yingkow and Sinminting have not been included in the total sum of the indemnity, they will be repaid by the Chinese Government. The two Governments will come to an understanding as to the amounts to be reimbursed.

The tenor of all previous treaties between Russia and China not modified by the present Convention remains in full force.

The present Convention will have legal force corresponding from the day of signature by the Plenipotentiaries of both contracting Powers.

The exchange of the ratification will take place at St. Petersburg three months

from the day of the signature of the Convention.

In view of which the respective Plenipotentiaries of the two high contracting Powers have signed and sealed with their seals two copies of the present Convention in the Russian, Chinese and French languages.

The French text shall rule.

(Signed)

LESSAR.

CHING.

WANG WEN-SHAO.