1927

256
WASHINGTON CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS
FOREIGN POST OFFICES IN CHINA
Representatives of tlie nine Powers sitting as a Committee on the Pacific and’
Far Eastern questions adopted a resolution in favour of the relinquishment of
foreign post-office privileges in China. All the Powers agreed upon January 1st, 1923,
as the date of relinquishment.
The text of the resolution is:— “ Recognising the justice of the desire expressed
by the Chinese Government to secure the abolition of foreign postal agencies in
China, save or except in leased territories or otherwise specifically provided for by
Treaty, it is resolved:
“ I:—That the four Powers having such postal agencies agree to their
abandonment, subject to the following conditions : First, that an efficient Chinese
postal service be maintained; second, that an assurance be given by the Chinese
Government that they contemplate no change in the present postal administration
as far as the status of the foreign Co-Director-General is concerned.
“II:—To enable China and the Powers concerned to make the necessary
.dispositions this arrangement shall come into force not later than (date blank).
Pending the complete withdrawal of foreign postal agencies the four Powers concerned
severally undertake to afford full facilities to the Chinese Customs authorities to<
examine all postal matter (except ordinary letters, whether registered or not, which
upon external examination appear to contain written matter) passing through with a
view to ascertaining whether they contain articles of dutiable contraband or other¬
wise contravening the Customs regulations and laws of China.”
EXTRA-TERRITORIAL RIGHTS IN CHINA
A resolution was unanimously adopted by the Far Eastern Committee relative to-
the Extra-Territorial Question. It provides that the Powers concerned shall establish
a Commission, to which each shall appoint a member, to enquire into the present
practice of extra-territorial jurisdiction in China, and into the laws, the judicial system
and methods of judicial administration, with a view to reporting findings of fact, with
recommendations regarding the means to improve the existing conditions of adminis¬
tration of justice in China and to assist the efforts of the Chinese Government to
effect such legislation and judicial reforms as will warrant the Powers in relinquishing
progressively or otherwise their rights of extra-territoriality.
The Commission shall be constituted within three months after the adjournment
of the Conference, and be instructed to submit its report and recommendations within
a year after the Commission’s first meeting. Each of the Powers shall be deemed free
to accept or reject all or any portion of the recommendations, but in no case are any
of the Powers to make acceptance directly or indirectly dependent on China’s granting
any special concession, favour, benefit, or immunity, whether political or economic.
An additional resolution provides that non-signatory Powers having extra-terri¬
torial rights in China may accede to the resolution in regard to extra-territoriality
within three months after the adjournment of the Conference.
A further additional resolution expresses China’s satisfaction with the sympathy
of the Powers in regard to the abolition of extra-territoriahty, and declares China’s-
intention to appoint a Chinese member of the Extra-Territoriality Commission, it
being understood that China is free to accept or reject any or all of the recommenda¬
tions of the Commission. China is prepared to co-operate in the work of the
Commission and in every way to facilitate the successful accomplishment of its task.