With regard to the question relative to the British Concession in Tientsin negotiations were continued following the conclusion of the agreement on principles between the Foreign Minister, Mr. Hachiro Arita, and the British Ambassador, Sir Robert L. Craigie, in July of last year. Although numerous obstacles were encountered, these negotiations finally resulted in an agreement of views between Japan and Great Britain, and the necessary procedures for the confirmation of the said agreement were completed yesterday, June 19, between Foreign Minister Arita and Ambassador Craigie. Moreover, as the result of conversations with the French Ambassador, Mr. Charles Arsène-Henry, an understanding on principles similar to that between Japan and Great Britain was reached between Japan and France and at the same time an agreement was also effected between them concerning the questions relating to the maintenance of peace and order, and to silver and currency.
It is our firm belief that, as the result of the understandings just reached the British and French Concessions will cease virtually to be abused for the machinations of anti-Japanese elements by virtue of cooperation of the concession authorities with Japanese authorities toward the maintenance of peace and order in the British and French Concessions. As regards the result of settlement of the silver and currency questions, although it cannot be considered wholly satisfactory, it will contribute not only toward the relief work among the Chinese in North China, but also toward the economic stability of the Tientsin district.
The settlement at this time of the Tientsin question may do no more than create an impression that what ought to have been done has been done. The fact cannot be overlooked, however, that this question has been an impediment to a settlement of the questions of a broader and more urgent
character. There are many matters in which Japan wants the cooperation of Great Britain and France in order to fulfil her national aspirations regarding East Asia. We expect that the attitudes of Great Britain and France as manifested in connection with the solution of the Tientsin question will be more emphatically reflected in connection with the various other problems.