Directory_and_Chronicle_1941 — Page 68

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EXTRATERRITORIALITY

"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 interest from the very beginning and that in its present form as a definitive treaty, my Government has decided to adhere to it without delay.

The Chinese Government and people feel deeply confident that the inter- dependence 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 test whether, after those painful experiences of a few years ago which still linger in our memory, we are not yet convinced of the absolute necessity of a 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.

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 and mutual respect for territorial sovereignty among all nations. My Gov- ernment, therefore, firmly believes that all the signatory Powers will abide by the spirit of the present treaty and remove, at the earliest opportunity, all of China's unequal treaties and encroachments upon her sovereignty, as for instance, the stationing of large numbers of alien troops on her soil. For it is clear that a free and independent China is one of the most vital factors, whereby permanent world peace may be promoted and strengthened.

I avail myself of this opportunity to extend to you the assurance of my highest consideration.

(Signed) WANG CHENG-TING,

Minister for Foreign Affairs.

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EXTRATERRITORIALITY.

On April 27, 1929, the Minister for Foreign Affairs addressed Notes to the British, American, Brazilian, Dutch, French and Norwegian Envoys, urging the early abolition of extraterritoriality. The Notes were similar in wording, those addressed to the British, American and French Ministers being identical.