Directory_and_Chronicle_1936 — Page 147

TEXT OF RECENT SINO-FOREIGN

TREATIES,

ETC.

[DECLARATION OF THE NATIONALIST GOVERNMENT ON JULY 7, 1928.]

On July 7, 1928, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Nationalist Gov- ernment* made the following declaration (translation) on the conclusion of new Treaties with the Powers:

"The Nationalist Government, with a view to adapting themselves to the present day circumstances and with the object of promoting the welfare of and the friendly relations between China and different countries, have always considered the abrogation of all the unequal Treaties and the conclusion of new Treaties on the basis of equality and mutual respect for territorial sovereignty as the most pressing problem at the present time. These aims have been embodied in declarations repeatedly made by the Nationalist Government.

"Now that the unification of China is an accomplished fact, it is the task of the Nationalist Government to make every effort to fully realize these aims. While they will continue to afford protection to foreign lives and property in China, according to law, the Nationalist Government hereby make the follow- ing specific declaration with regard to all the unequal Treaties:.

"(1) All the unequal Treaties between the Republic of China and other countries, which have already expired, shall be ipso facto abrogated, and new Treaties shall be concluded.

"(2) The Nationalist Government will immediately take steps to terminate, in accordance with proper procedure, those unequal Treaties which have not yet expired, and conclude new Treaties.

"(3) In the case of old Treaties which have already expired, but which have not yet been replaced by new Treaties, the Nationalist Government will. promulgate appropriate interim regulations to meet the exigencies of such situation."

INTERIM REGULATIONS.

At the same time the Nationalist Government issued the following Pro- visional Regulations Governing the Relations between China and the Powers after the Abrogation of the Old Treaties and pending the Conclusion of New Treaties:-

"1 Foreign countries and foreigners, as designated in these Regulations, apply only to those foreign countries and the nationals thereof whose Treaties with China have already expired, and with whon new Treaties have not yet been concluded.

"2 All diplomatic officials and consular officials of foreign countries sta- tioned in China shall be entitled to proper treatment accorded under inter- national law.

"3. The persons and properties of foreigners in China shall receive due protection under Chinese Law.

"4. Foreigners in China shall be subject to the regulations of Chinese Law and the jurisdiction of Chinese Law Courts.

*

Since October 10, 1928, the English designation has been altered to the "National Government of the Republic of China."