Directory_and_Chronicle_1929 — Page 194

144

TREATY OF ANNEXATION TO JAPAN

4.-The existing open ports of Korea, with the exception of Masampo, will be continued as open ports, and in addition Shinwiju will be newly opened, so that vessels, foreign as well as Japanese, will there be admitted and goods may be im- ported into and exported from those ports.

TREATY

His Majesty the Emperor of Japan and His Majesty the Emperor of Korea, having in view the special and close relations between their respective countries, desiring to promote the common weal of the two nations and to assure permanent peace in the Extreme East, being convinced that these objects can be best attained by the annexation of Korea to the Empire of Japan, have resolved to conclude a treaty of such annexation and have for that purpose appointed as their plenipoten- tiaries, that is to say: His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, Viscount Masakata Terauchi, His Resident General; and His Majesty the Emperor of Korea, Ye Wan Yong, His Minister President of State, who, upon mutual conference and deliberation, have agreed to the following Articles :-

1.-His Majesty the Emperor of Korea makes complete and permanent cession to His Majesty the Emperor of Japan of all rights of sovereignty over the whole

of Korea.

II.-His Majesty the Emperor of Japan accepts the concession mentioned in the preceding Article and consents to the complete annexation of Korea to the Empire of Japan.

III. His Majesty the Emperor of Japan will accord to their Majesties the Emperor and Ex-Emperor and His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince of Korea and their consorts and heirs such titles, dignity and honour as are appropriate to their respective ranks, and sufficient annual grants will be made for the maintenance of such titles, dignity and honour.

IV. His Majesty the Emperor of Japan will also accord appropriate honour and treatment to the members of the Imperial House of Korea and their heirs other than those mentioned in the preceding Articles, and the funds necessary for the mainten- auce of such honour and treatment will be granted.

i

V. His Majesty the Emperor of Japan will confer peerages and monetary grants upon

those Koreans who on account of meritorious services are regarded as deserving such special recognition.

VI.-In consequence of the aforesaid annexation the Government of Japan as- sume the entire government and administration of Korea and undertake to afford full protection for the persons and property of Koreans obeying the laws there in force and to promote the welfare of all such Koreans.

VII.-The Government of Japan will, so far as circumstances permit, employ in the public service of Japan in Korea those Koreans who accept the uew régime loyally and in good faith and who are duly qualified for such service.

VIII.-The Treaty, having been approved by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan and His Majesty the Emperor or Korea, shall take effect from the date of its promulgation.