1. The Representatives of States meeting at Brussels since November 3rd last have taken cognizance of the reply of the Japanese Government sent in October for the invitation of the Belgian Government, and the statement which accompanied this reply.
2. In these documents the Imperial Government states that it cherishes no territorial ambition in respect of China and that on the contrary it sincerely desires "to assist the material and moral developments of the Chinese Nation," it also desires "to promote cultural and economic cooperation," with the foreign Powers, of China and that it intends, furthermore, scrupulously "to respect the foreign rights and interests in that country."
3. The points referred to in this declaration are among the fundamental principles of the treaty signed at Washington on the 6th of February, 1922—"The Nine Power Treaty." The Representatives of States parties to the Treaty have taken note of the declaration of the Imperial Government in this respect.
4. The Imperial Government, moreover, denies that there can be any question of violation of the Nine Power Treaty by Japan and it formulates a number of complaints against the Chinese Government. The Chinese Government for its part contends that there has been violation, denies the charge of the Japanese Government and in turn makes complaint against Japan.
5. The treaty has made provision for just such a situation. It should be borne in mind that the exchange of views taking place at Brussels is based essentially on these provisions and constitutes "full, frank communication" as envisaged in Article 7. The Conference is being held with the view of assisting and resolving, by peaceful means, the conflict between the parties of the Treaty. One of the parties to the present conflict, China, is represented at the Conference and has affirmed its willingness fully to cooperate with the Conference, regrets the absence of the other party, Japan, whose cooperation is most desirable.
6. The Imperial Government states that it is "firmly convinced that the attempt to seek solution at a gathering of so many Powers, whose interests in East Asia vary in degree, or who have practically no interests there at all, will serve to complicate the situation still
further and to place serious obstacles in the path of a just and proper solution." It should be pointed out that all these Powers which are the parties to the Treaty are, under the terms of this act, entitled to exercise their rights, which the Treaty confers upon them, that all the Powers, which have interests in the Far East, are concerned regarding the present hostilities, and that the whole world is solicitous with regard to the effect of these hostilities on the peace and security of the members of the family of nations. However, the Representatives of States met at Brussels believe that it may be possible to allay the Japanese misgivings referred to above, they would be glad to know whether the Imperial Government would be disposed to depute its representative or representatives for exchange of views with the representatives of a small number of Powers chosen for the purpose. Such exchange of views would take place within the framework of the Nine Power Treaty and in conformity with the provisions of the Treaty. Its aims would be to throw further light on the various points referred to above and to facilitate the settlement of the conflict. In regretting the continuation of hostilities, being firmly convinced that peaceful settlement is alone capable of ensuring lasting, constructive solution of the present conflict, and having confidence in the efficacy of the method of conciliation, the Representatives of States met at Brussels earnestly desire that such settlement may be achieved.
7. The States represented at the Conference would be very glad to know as soon as possible the attitude of the Imperial Government toward this proposal.