Directory_and_Chronicle_1924 — Page 301

WASHINGTON CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS, 1921

247

RADIO STATIONS IN CHINA

A report was submitted by the Sub-Committee on Drafting relating to radio stations for China which states that representatives of the nine Powers at the Conference decided that all radio stations in China, whether maintained under the provisions of the International Protocol of September, 1901, or, in fact maintained on the grounds of any of the foreign Legations in China, shall be limited in use to sending and receiving Government messages and shall not receive or send commercial, personal, or unofficial messages, including Press matter.

It is provided, however, that in case all other telegraphic communication is inter- rupted, then, upon official notification, accompanied by proof of such interruption, to- the Chinese Ministry of Communications such stations may afford temporary facilities - for messages excluded as before-mentioned until the Chinese Government notify the termination of the interruption.

All radio stations on Chinese territory operated by foreign Governments' sub- jects under treaties or concessions shall limit the messages seat or received by the terms of the treaty or concession under which the respective stations are maintained. Any radio station maintained without the authority of the Chinese Government shall be transferred to China to be operated under the direction of the Chinese Ministry of Communications, against compensation to the owners for the value of the installation, as soon as the Ministry is prepared to operate the same effectively for general public benefit. Should any question arise regarding radio stations in leased territories, the South Manchuria railway zone, or the French Concession in Shanghai they shall be regarded as matters for discussion between the Chinese Government and the Governments concerned. Owners or managers of all foreign radio stations shall confer with the Chinese Ministry of Communications for the purpose of seeking a common arrangement to avoid interference in the use of wave lengths by wireless stations in China, subject to such a general arrangement as may be made by the International Conference convened for revision of the rules established by the- London International Radio Telegraph Convention of 1912.

TEXT OF THE NINE-POWER AGREEMENT

The following is the text of the two treaties regarding China approved on February 4th, 1922, by the Conference at Washington:-

The United States of America, Belgium, the British Empire, China, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and Portugal:

Desiring to adopt a policy designed to stabilize conditions in the Far East, to safeguard the rights and interests of China, and to promote intercourse between China and the other Powers upon the basis of equality of opportunity, have resolved to conclude a Treaty for that purpose and to that end have appointed as their respective plenipotentiaries (Here follow the names of the plenipoten- tiaries), who, having communicated to each other their full powers, found to be in good and due form, have agreed as follows:-

ARTICLE I.

The contracting Powers, other than China, agree:

1. To respect the sovereignty, the independence, and the territorial

and administrative integrity of China.

2. To provide the fullest and most unembarrassed opportunity to China to develop and maintain for herself an effective and stable Government.