Directory_and_Chronicle_1908 — Page 227

JAPAN

TREATY OF PEACE BETWEEN JAPAN AND CHINA

SIGNED AT SHIMONOSEKI (Bakan), Japan, ON THE 17TH April, 1895 Ratifications Exchanged at Chefoo, China, on the 8th May, 1895

His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, and His Majesty the Emperor of China desiring to restore the blessings of peace to their countries and subjects, and to remove all cause for future complications, have named as their Plenipotentiaries for the purpose of concluding a Treaty of Peace, that is to say :-

His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, Count Ito Hirobumi, Junii, Grand Cross of the Imperial Order of Paullownia, Minister-President of State, and Viscount Mutsu Munemitsu, Junii, First Class of the Imperial Order of the Sacred Treasure, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs;

And His Majesty the Emperor of China, Li Hung Chang, Senior Tutor to the Heir Apparent, Senior Grand Secretary of State, Minister Superintendent of Trade for the Northern Ports of China, Viceroy of the Province of Chibli, and Earl of the First Rank, and Li Ching Fong, ex-Minister of the Diplomatic Service of the Second Official Rank;

Who, after having exchanged their full powers, which were found to be in good and proper form, have agreed to the following Articles:-

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 property 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; from 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 appertaining 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.

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