Directory_and_Chronicle_1922 — Page 273

BETWEEN GREAT BRITAIN AND JAPAN

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His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, His Excellency Monsieur Takaaki Kato, Jusammi, First Class of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, His Imperial Majesty's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary at the Court of St. James; and His Majesty the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas, Emperor of India, the Right Honourable Sir Edward Grey, a Baronet of the United Kingdom, a Member of Parliament, His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs; who, after having com- municated to each other their respective full powers, found to be in good and due form, have agreed upon the following Articles:-

Art. I.-The subjects of each of the high contracting parties shall have full liberty to enter, travel, and reside in the territories of the other, and, conforming. themselves to the laws of the country-

1.-Shall in all that relates to travel and residence be placed in all respects on the same footing as native subjects.

2. They shall have the right, equally with native subjects, to carry on their commerce and manufacture, and to trade in all kinds of merchandise of lawful com- merce, either in person or by agents, singly or in partnerships with foreigners or native subjects.

3.-They shall in all that relates to the pursuit of their industries, callings, pro- fessions, and educational studies be placed in all respects on the same footing as the subjects or citizens of the most favoured nation.

4.--They shall be permitted to own or hire and occupy houses, manufactories, warehouses, shops, and premises which may be necessary for them, and to lease land for residential, commercial, industrial, and other lawful purposes, in the same: manner as native subjects.

5.-They shall, on condition of reciprocity, be at full liberty to acquire and possess every description of property, movable or immovable, which the laws of the Country permit or shall permit the subjects or citizens of any other foreign country to acquire and possess, subject always to the conditions and limitations prescribed in such laws. They may dispose of the same by sale, exchange, gift, marriage, testa- ment, or in any other manner, under the same conditions which are or shall be estab- lished with regard to native subjects. They shall also be permitted, on compliance with the laws of the country, freely to export the proceeds of the sale of their pro- perty and their goods in general without being subjected as foreigners to other or higher duties that those to which subjects of the country would be liable under similar circumstances.

6. They shall enjoy constant and complete protection and security for their persons and property; shall have free and easy access to the Courts of Justice and other tribunals in pursuit and defence of their claims and rights; and shall have full liberty, equally with native subjects, to choose and employ lawyers and advocates to represent them before such Courts and tribunals; and generally shall have the same rights and privileges as native subjects in all that concerns the administration of justice.

7.--They shall not be compelled to pay taxes, fees, charges, or contributions of any kind whatever other or higher than those which are or may be paid by native subjects or the subjects or citizens of the most favoured nation.

8. And they shall enjoy a perfect equality of treatment with native subjects in all that relates to facilities for warehousing under bond, bounties, and drawbacks.

Art. II. The subjects of each of the high contracting parties in the territories of the other shall be exempted from all compulsory military services, whether in the army, navy, national guard, or militia; from all contributions imposed in lieu of personal service; and from all forced loans and military requisitions or contributions unless imposed on them equally with native subjects as owners, lessees, or occupiers of immovable property.