The Imperial Government has the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the Note Verbale, dated November 7th concerning the Brussels Conference.
While it is pleased to take cognizance of the fact that the opinion of the participating Powers set forth in the said Note is the result of careful consideration, the Imperial Government regrets that this opinion is not sufficient to persuade it to modify the views and policy clearly expressed in its last reply, dated October 27th, and in its public statement of the same date. It is stated by the participating Powers that they would be prepared to designate representatives of a small number of Powers for an exchange of views with one or several representatives of Japan within the scope of the Nine Power Treaty and in conformity with its provisions. However, the Imperial Government adheres firmly to the view that its present action,
being one of self-defence forced upon Japan by the challenge of China, lies outside the scope of the Nine Power Treaty, and that there is no room for discussion of its application. It is certainly impossible to accept an invitation to a conference convened in accordance with the stipulations of that treaty after Japan has been accused of having violated its terms.
Since the present affair has its origin in the special conditions of East Asia, the most just and equitable solution can be reached through direct negotiations between the two parties who are directly and immediately interested. It is the firm conviction of the Imperial Government that an attempt to negotiate within the framework of a collective organ such as the present Conference, would only arouse popular feelings in both countries and hinder a satisfactory solution of the affair. The Imperial Government would be glad if the Powers, appreciating fully the above-mentioned view, should contribute to the stabilization of East Asia in a manner consonant with the realities of the situation.
The participating Powers state that all the Powers having interests in the Far East are affected by the present hostilities and that the whole world views with apprehension their repercussions on peace and on the security of the members of the family of nations. As regards this consideration, the Imperial Government desires to point out that, as has been made clear in Japan's successive declarations, it is doing everything within its power to respect the rights and interests of Foreign Powers in China, and that it has the deepest concern for the firm establishment of peace in East Asia through a satisfactory conclusion of the present affair.