Chargé Wilson to
the Secretary of State.
American Legation,
Tokyo, April 11,
1906.
No. 436.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a
copy of a note, dated the 8th instant, whereby the minister for foreign
affairs formally gives notice that the Japanese Government will not
hereafter entertain diplomatic intervention in regard to contentious
matters in respect to which a judicial remedy exists unless such remedy
shall have been completely exhausted and a case justifying diplomatic
intervention is presented.
This communication, I learn, is in the nature of a circular and has been
sent to all the foreign representatives in Tokyo.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
The Minister for Foreign
Affairs to Chargé Wilson.
Department of Foreign Affairs,
Tokyo, April 8, 1906.
Sir: During the existence of consular
jurisdiction, the Imperial Government were, not infrequently, called
upon to consider in a diplomatic way questions in respect of which
unexhausted judicial remedies existed. They had expected that this
irregular and unusual practice would cease after the system which
gave it birth had come to an end.
But that expectation has not been fully realized, and the experience
of the last six years has satisfied the Imperial Government that, in
order to bring their procedure into harmony with the rule on the
subject which prevails in other countries, it is necessary for them
to establish by formal notice the change in practice.
Accordingly, the undersigned, His Imperial Majesty’s minister for
foreign affairs, has the honor to acquaint you that the Imperial
Government will be unable hereafter to regard any contentious matter
in respect of which a judicial remedy exists as ripe for diplomatic
intervention until such remedy has been completely exhausted and a
case justifying such interventon is presented.
The undersigned, in requesting you to bring this notice to the
attention of your Government, begs to renew, etc.,
