Directory_and_Chronicle_1925 — Page 475

CHINA'S PERMANENT CONSTITUTION

The following is a free translation of the text of the Permanent Constitution of China, as passed by the Constitution Conference, and promulgated on the Twelfth Anniversary of the Revolution:-

The Constitution Conference of the Republic of China, with the object of establishing the national dignity and maintaining the national boundaries, and in order to promote the welfare of the people and uphold the principles of humanity, has hereby made this Constitution for promulgation to the whole country, to be permanently observed by all.

CHAPTER I.-FORM OF GOVERNMENT

Art. 1.--The Republic of China shall be a unified Republic for ever.

CHAPTER II.-SOVEREIGNTY

Art. 2.-The Sovereignty of the Republic of China is vested in the whole body of the People.

CHAPTER III.—TERRITORY

Art. 3.-The Territory of the Republic of China consists of all dominions in the possession of China. The territory and its division of areas shall not be altere l except by law.

CHAPTER IV.-CITIZENSHIP

Art. 4.-All persons legally belonging by nationality to the Republic of China shall be citizens of the Republic of China.

Art. 5.-Citizens of the Republic of China shall be equal without any distinction of race, class or religion.

Art. 6.-Citizens of the Republic of China shall not be arrested, imprisoned, tried or punished except in accordance with the law.

Any citizen under arrest may in accordance with the law apply to the Judicial Court for presentation to the Court for trial.

Art. 7.-The residences of citizens of the Republic of China shall not be entered or searched except in accordance with the law.

Art. 8.-The letters and correspondence of citizens of the Republic of China shall not be violated except in accordance with the law.

Art. 9.-Citizens of the Republic of China shall have liberty of election, residence and profession, on which no restriction shall be imposed except in accord- ance with the law.

Art. 10.--Citizens of the Republic of China shall have liberty of assembly and forming societies, on which no restriction shall be imposed except in accordance with the law.

Art. 11.-Citizens of the Republic of China shall have liberty of speech, authorship and publication, on which no restriction shall be imposed except in accordance with the law.

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