His Excellency, Hioki Eki, Japanese Minister.

—­Reply—­

Peking, the 25th day of the 5th month of the 4th year of Taisho.

Excellency,

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency’s note of this day’s date in which you stated “that the places which ought to be opened as Commercial Ports by China herself, as provided in Article 3 of the Treaty respecting the province of Shantung signed this day, will be selected and the regulations therefor, will be drawn up by the Chinese Government itself, a decision concerning which will be made after consulting the Minister of Japan.”

In reply, I beg to state that I have taken note of the same,

I avail, etc.,

(Signed) Hioki KEI.

His Excellency, Lou Tseng-tsiang, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Exchange of notes respecting the restoration of the leased
territory of Kiaochow bay

—­Note—­Peking, the 25th day of the 5th month of the 4th year of
Taisho.

Excellency,

In the name of my Government I have the honour to make the following declaration to the Chinese Government:—­

When, after the termination of the present war, the leased territory of Kiaochow Bay is completely left to the free disposal of Japan, the Japanese Government will restore the said leased territory to China under the following conditions:—­

1.  The whole of Kiaochow Bay to be opened as a Commercial Port.

2.  A concession under the exclusive jurisdiction of Japan to be established at a place designated by the Japanese Government.

3.  If the foreign Powers desire it, an international concession may be established.

4.  As regards the disposal to be made of the buildings and properties of Germany and the conditions and procedure relating thereto, the Japanese Government and the Chinese Government shall arrange the matter by mutual agreement before the restoration.

I avail, etc.,

(Signed) Hioki Eki.

His Excellency, Lou Tseng-tsiang,

Minister of Foreign Affairs.

—­Reply—­

Peking, the 25th day of the 5th month of the 4th year of the
Republic of China.

Monsieur le Ministre,

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s note of this day’s date in which you made the following declaration in the name of your Government:—­

“When, after the termination of the present war the leased territory of Kiaochow Bay is completely left to the free disposal of Japan, the Japanese Government will restore the said leased territory to China under the following conditions:—­

1.  The whole of Kiaochow Bay to be opened as a Commercial Port.

2.  A concession under the exclusive jurisdiction of Japan to be established at a place designated by the Japanese Government.