500.A4a/162
Draft by Mr. Balfour, of the British Delegation, of a Treaty between the British Empire, China, France, Japan, and the United States of America44
(Second Revise.)
The Governments of the British Empire, China, France, Japan and the United States of America have agreed upon the stipulations set forth below, having the following objects:—
- (a)
- The consolidation and maintenance of the general peace in Eastern Asia:
- (b)
- The preservation of the independence and integrity of the Chinese Republic:
- (c)
- The application of the principle of equal opportunity for the commerce and industry of all nations in China:
- (d)
- The substitution of international co-operation for international rivalry in China:—
Article I
It is agreed that whenever, in the opinion of the High Contracting Parties, any of the objects referred to in the preamble of this Agreement are in jeopardy, the five Governments will communicate with one another fully and frankly and will consider in common the measures which should be taken to safeguard their menaced rights or interests.
Article II
The High Contracting Parties agree that they will in no circumstances take independent action for the protection of their interests in Eastern Asia by the employment of naval, military or aerial forces, without previously consulting the other High Contracting Parties as to the desirability of taking such measures, save in cases where life and property are endangered.
Article III
Every contract and arrangement involving financial liability between the Central Chinese Governments and/or the Provisional Chinese Governments and the High Contracting Parties and/or their nationals and/or the agents of their nationals shall be communicated to all the High Contracting Powers, and no such contract or arrangement shall be binding until so communicated.
[Page 272]Article IV
The diplomatic representatives of the High Contracting Parties at Peking shall be vested with the executive authority of carrying out this Agreement.
Article V
The High Contracting Parties recognise the desirability of arranging for periodical meetings between their duly accredited representatives for the discussion of the practical means best calculated to secure the objects aimed at under the present Agreement.
Article VI
The High Contracting Parties agree that they will not, without consulting one another, enter into separate Agreements with another Power or Powers to the prejudice of the objects described in the preamble to this Agreement.