Directory_and_Chronicle_1940 — Page 161

KELLOGG PACT

135

I shall shortly transmit for Your Excellency's convenient reference a printed pamphlet containing the text in translation of M. Briand's original roposal to my Government of June 20, 1927, and the complete record of the ubsequent diplomatic correspondence on the subject of a multilateral treaty for the renunciation of war. I shall also transmit, as soon as received from

hy Government, a certified copy of the signed treaty.

I avail myself of this opportunity to extend to Your Excellency the enewed assurance of my highest consideration.

(Signed) MAHLON F. PERKINS,

Chargé d'Affaires

2.-CHINA'S ACCEPTANCE.

:

Excellency:

Nanking, Sept. 13, 1928.

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your communication dated August 27 in which the Government of the United States of America presents for my consideration and for the approval of my Government the text of a reaty that was signed on the same day in Paris by the Governments of Ger- nany, the United States of America, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the Irish Free State, India, Italy, Japan, Poland, and Szecho-Slovakia binding them to renounce war

nstrument of national policy in their relations with one another and to seek only by pacific means the settlement or solution of all disputes which may arise among them.

"The ideals which are embodied in this treaty of extraordinary significance are the foundation on which the national life of the Chinese people is con- structed and I wish, therefore, immediately to avail myself of this opportunity to inform you that this impressive movement for the perpetuation of universal peace and for the advancement of world civilization, aroused our sympathetic nterest from the very beginning and that in its present form as a definitive reaty, my Government has decided to adhere to it without delay.

The Chinese Government and people feel deeply confident that the inter- Hependence of the different nations of the world is making it increasingly manifest to all thinking minds that the renunciation of war and a frank avowal of the need of friendly relations is the only means to save civilizatior from the danger of destruction. We are, indeed, brought before the supreme est whether, after those painful experiences of a few years ago which still inger in our memory, we are not yet convinced of the absolute necessity of real spirit of mutual co-operation to guide us in our national policies to- wards one another. It is therefore a source of profound satisfaction to see that this action of momentous importance, so ably sponsored by the United States of America, is receiving universal response.

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As you are aware, the whole conception of life among our people centres round the ideal of harmony. It is indeed difficult, if not impossible, to find in all our thinkers a view of life which justifies conflict in any form as the basis of a national policy, and I venture to think that it is this idea of harmony and peace which accounts for the stability of our civilization and the extraordinary length of our history. The present treaty to renounce war is, in fact, a vindication of the teachings of our revered ancestors, and especially as these teachings, which have been amplified by our late leader, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, so clearly embodied in such noble principles as Universal Justice and The Brotherhood of Nations, are also at the present moment being applied in the building up of a new China, the Chinese people are prepared to join with America and the other signatory Powers with more than the usual enthusiasm in endeavouring to attain the noble ends of peace.

We are deeply sensible, however, that in order to make war really im- possible, it is necessary to eliminate all causes which are likely to give rise to any international dispute, and rigidly to uphold the principle of equality