CONVENTION SIGNED

Hokitika Guardian, 7 May 1930, Page 3

CONVENTION SIGNED

CHINA AND BRITAIN

Restoration of weihaiwei

United Press Assoriaifiqn—By Elect™

Telegraph—Copyright)

RUBGY, May 5. The terms are issued of the convention recently signed by Sir Miles Lampson (British Minister in China) and Doctor Wang (Chinese Foreign

Minister) for the restoration- in ful

sovereignity to China of the •errifory of Weihaiwei, leased to His Brittanic Majesty under the convention of July

: 1, 1898, The convention provides that the British -garrison stationed within the territory shall be withdrawn within 1 one month of its entry into force, which shall take place on its ratification on October Ist, 1930. The transfer of the Administrator and of public properties shall take, place on the’ same - day and : the existing administrating regulation will, as far as possible be made and maintained. All .title deeds issued to Chinese ■ owners by the -British administration' of Weihaiwei shall be recognised as being of the same Validity as clfifihg British. Administration,. - issued to persons other than Chinese shall be exchanged for Chinese deeds of perpetual lease, and all leases issued -liv the British .Administration .will be recognised should the Chinese .Government decide to close the port of Weihaiwei to - foreign vessels and tirade, with a view to utilising it exclusively as a naval base, the interests of foreign property owners and leaseholders will be bought oiit qt a fair compensation agreed upon between the , Governments of .China •‘inti the United Kingdom, who will Appoint a joint commission for determining the amount, of this compensation in Cacli case Unless the National Government of China decide to dose the port with this object, tliey will maintain ’t as an area of international residence anti, brade, and will lease to the llritish • Govnrtinfent for thirty yeare. ; with, the option of refiewUl of certain lands and buildings for tlie requirements of the British Consulate and public interests Of residents. ;All decisions in British courts pronounced before rendition, shall lxconsidered to have the force of those pronounced by Chinese courts. Pending the general application of a system of local government in China Chinese local authorities will ascertain the view of foreign residents in Weihaiwei in such municipal matters ns may affect their welfare and interests.

The. two plenipotentiaries also signed an agreement ibv .which the Chinese Government will loan to the British Government, free of charge as a sanatorium and summer resort for usp of the British navy, certain build ITU'S And facilities on Lieu Rungatao Island, in Weihaiwei Bay, for ten years, .with .the.. Option ..of renewal.