Directory_and_Chronicle_1936 — Page 66

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WASHINGTON CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS

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It should also be observed that the controversies to which the proposed Treaty refers do not include questions which, according to the principles of international law, lie exclusively within the domestic jurisdiction of the respective Powers.

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In the course of his address, Senator Lodge stated: "To put it in a few words the Treaty provides that the four signatory Powers will agree between themselves in regard to their insular possessions and dominions in the region of the Pacific, and that if any controversy should arise as to such rights all the high contracting parties shall be invited to a joint conference looking to the adjustment of such controversy. They agree to take similar action in the case of aggression by any other Power upon these insular possessions or dominions. This Agreement is to remain in force for ten years, and, after ratification under the constitutional methods of the high contracting parties, the existing agreement between Great Britain and Japan, which was concluded at London on July 13, 1911, shall terminate. Each signer is bound to respect the rights of the others, and before taking action in any controversy to consult with them. There is no provision for the use of force to carry out any of the terms of the Agreement, and no military or naval stations lurk anywhere in the background or under cover of these plain and direct clauses. The surest way to prevent war is to remove the cause of war. This is an attempt to remove the cause of war over a great area of the globe's surface by reliance upon the good faith and honest intentions of the nations which signed this Treaty solving all differences through a process of diplomacy and joint consideration and conciliation.

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TERRITORIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INTEGRITY OF CHINA

The Far Eastern Committee of the Conference unanimously adopted a resolu- tion declaring in favour of the territorial and administrative integrity of China. The resolution, which was drafted and presented by Senator Root, was signed by eight Powers, China, refraining from appending her signature as being unfitting in a document regarding herself.

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Following is the text of the resolution :-"It is the firm intention of the Powers attending the Conference, firstly, to respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial and administrative integrity of China; secondly, to provide the fullest, unembarrassed opportunity for China to develop and to maintain an effective and stable Government; thirdly, to use their influence for the purpose of effectively establishing and maintaining the principle of equal opportunity for commerce and industry to all nations throughout Chinese territory; fourthly, to refrain from taking advantage of present conditions in order to seek special rights and privileges abridging the rights of subjects of friendly States, and also to refrain from countenancing any action inimical to the security of such States."

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The Far Eastern Committee passed a resolution, suggested by Sir Auckland Geddes, under which the Powers attending the Conference declared their inten- tion "not to enter into any treaty, agreement, arrangement, or understanding with one another, or individually or collectively with any Power or Powers, which infringes or impairs the principles declared by the resolution adopted by the Com- mittee on the 21st ult." (i.e., Senator Root's resolution declaring for the territorial and administrative integrity of China).