GIVING UP RIGHTS IN CHINA

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 14, 12 October 1942, Page 6

GIVING UP RIGHTS IN CHINA

Britain And America START OF NEW ERA IN . RELATIONSHIPS (By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Received October 11, 9.20 p.m.) WASHINGTON, October 10. The Assistant Secretary of State, Mr. Sumner Welles,'informed the Chinese Ambassador that the United States' was prepared: promptly to negotiate a treaty providing for the immediate relinquishment of United States extraterritorial ■ rights in China. He added that the British Government-shared America’s views and was taking- similar action. An announcement that Canada was also prepared to relinquish extraterritorial rights in China was made iby : Mr. Mackenzie King in. Ottawa. He said this would, not adversely affect Canadian land ownership in China, or facilities for Travel, residence and trade. The Chinese Ambassador to • the United States said the relinquishment of extraterritorial rights would mark the beginning of a hew era in China* relations .with the Western Powers, and seal the end of an out-dated and outworn system. ■ The Washington correspondent ot the "New York Times” points out that though the question had 'been actively considered for several months, the announcement was timed for China's national anniversary as encouragement in her fight against the Axis. The news that Britain and America are relinquishing their extraterritorial rights in China has caused very great jubilation, says the “New York Times” Chungking correspondent. Their action will not only remove a humiliating relic of foreign imperialism, but also -will serve as tremendous encouragement for the Chinese to fight harder than ever now that China stands on an equal footing with the other United Nations.

NEW ZEALAND VIEW Removal Of Existing Anomalies

“In the relations of the outside world with China, there still remain certain anomalies and differentiations in treatment -which are unjust to China and I am.sure will be removed. In particular I refer to those rights of extraterritoriality under which for a long period past, a number of foreign nations .have, retained ■ certain rights in China, including the power to administer justice among their nationals in China independently of the Chinese Government and the Chinese Courts,” stated the Prime Minisetr, Mr. Fraser, at a gathering of the Chinese community in celebration of Chinese Independence Day on Saturday afternoon. “The epic resistance of China to the wanton aggression of Japan, the magnificent struggle that China has maintained now for five years against overwhelming odds in military and naval power, the remarkable success of the organization that has enabled this struggle to 'be continued for so long, and the devoted spirit of the Government and the people of China,” Mr. Fraser continued, “have not only been an inspiration to the world, but have established once and for all the right of China to be regarded as an equal, in all respects, of the other nations allied together in the fight against aggression, and unquestionably entitled to the fullest and most complete rights of sovereignty in her own territory. Anything less would be unfair to that great Ilepublie o which has borne the brunt of the fight for freedom in the Pacific area with such courage and such tenacity. No one can exaggerate the debt that we owe to China, and we in New Zealand are determined to do all that lies in our power to repay that debt. No Special Kights Wanted.

“I know that this feeling is shared by all the Allied Nations, and I believe that steps will be taken which will, I hope, at a very early date remove the last vestiges of any encroachment on China’s sovereignty.

“As far as New Zealand is concerned, I take the opportunity, on China’s National Day, of affirming that we desire no rights in China other than those freely accorded, to us by the Chinese Government, under its distinguished leader, Chiang Kai-shek, as equal partners in the great enterprise in which we are joined together, with all the United Nations, to preserve freedom and justice in the Pacific and throughout the world, and that for our part we are in agreement with any step to' be taken by the United Nations concerned, to renounce all rights .in ‘China, howsoever acquired, which are not in accordance with th'ese principles, and the full status of the Republic as a full sovereign State.”

BRITAIN CONGRATULATES

CHINA (British Oflicial Wireless.) .RUGBY, October 10.

The British Ambassador to Chungking, Sir Archibald Clark Kerr, lias been instructed to convey to the Chinese Government a message of warm congratulations from Britain on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of the foundation of tbe Chinese Republic, together with expression of cordial wishes for the success of China in arms today aud her prosperity .in days to come.