Directory_and_Chronicle_1932 — Page 112

64

WASHINGTON CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS

FOREIGN POST OFFICES IN CHINA

Representatives of the nine Powers sitting as a Committee on the Pacific and Far Eastern questions adopted a resolution in favour of the relinquishment of foreign post-office privileges in China. All the Powers agreed upon January 1st, 1923, as the date of relinquishment.

The text of the resolution is:- "Recognising the justice of the desire expressed by the Chinese Government to secure the abolition of foreign postal agencies in China, save or except in leased territories or otherwise specifically provided for by Treaty, it is resolved:

"I:-That the four Powers having such postal agencies agree to their abandonment, subject to the following conditions: First, that an efficient Chinese postal service be maintained; second, that an assurance be given by the Chinese Government that they contemplate no chauge in the present postal administration as far as the status of the foreign Co-Director-General is concerned.

"II: To enable China and the Powers concerned to make the necessary dispositions this arrangement shall come into force not later than (date blank). Pending the complete withdrawal of foreign postal agencies the four Powers concerned severally undertake to afford full facilities to the Chinese Customs authorities th examine all postal matter (except ordinary letters, whether registered or not, whico upon external examination appear to contain written matter) passing through with a view to ascertaining whether they contain articles of dutiable contraband or other- wise contravening the Customs regulations and laws of China."

EXTRA-TERRITORIAL RIGHTS IN CHINA

A resolution was unanimously adopted by the Far Eastern Committee relative to the Extra-Territorial Question. It provides that the Powers concerned shall establish a Commission, to which each shall appoint a member, to enquire into the present practice of extra-territorial jurisdiction in China, and into the laws, the judicial system and methods of judicial adininistration, with a view to reporting findings of fact, with recommendations regarding the means to improve the existing conditions of adminis- tration of justice in China and to assist the efforts of the Chinese Government to effect such legislation and judicial reforms as will warrant the Powers in relinquishing progressively or otherwise their rights of extra-territoriality.

The Commission shall be constituted within three months after the adjournment of the Conference, and be instructed to submit its report and recommendations within a year after the Commission's first meeting. Each of the Powers shall be deemed free to accept or reject all or any portion of the recommendations, but in no case are any of the Powers to make acceptance directly or indirectly dependent on China's granting any special concession, favour; benefit, or immunity, whether political or economic.

An additional resolution provides that non-signatory Powers having extra-terri- torial rights in China may accede to the resolution in regard to extra-territoriality within three months after the adjournment of the Conference.

A further additional resolution expresses China's satisfaction with the sympathy of the Powers in regard to the abolition of extra-territoriality, and declares China's intention to appoint a Chinese member of the Extra-Territoriality Commission, it being understood that China is free to accept or reject any or all of the recommenda- tions of the Commission. China is prepared to co-operate in the work of the Commission and in every way to facilitate the successful accomplishment of its task.