EXCHANGE OF NOTES
From the Japanese Minister
Peking, the 25th day of May of the 4th year of Taisho.
Excellency,
A report has reached me to the effect that the Chinese Government has the intention of permitting foreign nations to establish, on the coast of Fukien Province, dockyards, coaling stations for military use, naval bases, or to set up other military establishments; and also of borrowing foreign capital for the purpose of setting up the abovementioned establishments. I have the honour to request that Your Excellency will be good enough to give me reply stating whether or not the Chinese Government really entertains such an intention. I avail, etc.
From Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs
Peking, the 25th day of May of the 4th year of Republic of China.
Monsieur le Ministre,
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's note of this day's date which I have noted.
In reply I beg to inform you that the Chinese Government hereby declares that it has given no permission to foreign nations to construct, on the coast of Fukien Province, dockyards, coaling stations for military use, naval bases, or to set up other military establishments; nor does it entertain an intention of borrowing foreign capital for the purpose of setting up the abovementioned establishments.
I avail, etc.,