DECLARATION ON THE ABOLITION OF EXTRATERRITORIALITY IN MANCHOUKUO, AUGUST 9, 1935
1. It was made clear in the Imperial Rescript issued in March, 1933, in connection with our decision to withdraw from the League of Nations, and also in the Japan-Manchoukuo Protocol signed on September 15, 1932, that Japan's policy toward Manchoukuo is based on the principle of enabling that country to make wholesome progress as an independent state, while maintaining an inseparable and interdependent relationship with this country, thus
advancing our national policy : to preserve the stability of Eastern Asia and to make known throughout the world our devotion to justice and righteousness.
Now, Manchoukuo has made steady and brilliant progress ever since its establishment. Internally, it has pursued constructive programmes along all lines—political, economic, administrative,—while externally it has striven to win the respect and confidence of the Powers. In the matter of extraterritoriality, Manchoukuo, following Japan's example, has been preparing for its abolition by setting up a judicial system and by effecting reforms in various departments, such as police and taxation. In fact, more than ¥8,000,000 is set aside in the budget of the Empire for the fiscal year 1934 for such purposes.
2. Japan has for many years enjoyed the privileges of extraterritoriality in Manchuria. Prior to the establishment of Manchoukuo, extraterritoriality was essential to the developmnt of Japanese interests there. But extraterritoriality is gradually losing its importance which diminishes with the progress of the above-mentioned Japan's policy toward Manchoukuo. Indeed, it is now necessary to abolish extraterritoriality in Manchoukuo if we are to afford that Empire free scope for development, establish a closer union and co-operation between our two peoples, make possible the general advancement of Japanese interests in all directions, and, finally, strengthen permanently the inseparable and friendly relations between the two countries. The South Manchuria Railway zone, acquired by us in consequence of a war with Russia on which we staked our national fortunes, has for the past thirty years been under our assiduous administration. It has served as the base of operations for Japanese activities in Manchuria. But it is now deemed necessary to adjust and transfer our administrative rights in that area
for reasons involved in the abolition of extraterritoriality, in order to meet the new situation arising from the establishment of Manchoukuo.
3. For these reasons, at the Cabinet meeting of August 9th, the Japanese Government decided on the following general principles concerning the abolition of extraterritoriality and the adjustment and transfer of administrative rights in the South Manchuria Railway zone, according to which the authorities concerned will be instructed to devise concrete measures and to put these gradually into effect.
a. Concerning extraterritoriality in Manchoukuo, its abolition should be effected in keeping with the spirit of the treaties in force, in gradual stages, and to accord with the degree of completion of the governmental systems and organs of Manchoukuo, but especially with a view to avoid any sudden and violent changes in the life of Japanese communities in Manchoukuo, to insure more securely for Japanese throughout that Empire facilities for residence and safety and free development, and, in particular, to facilitate the smooth operation of Japan's policy toward the Empire.
b. The South Manchuria Railway zone will, of course, be retained by Japan as heretofore. But the administrative rights exercised by Japan in the zone will be adjusted and transferred, according to circumstances, keeping step with the gradual abolition of extraterritoriality, under similar considerations as above.
4. It should be added that Japan's rights in the leased territory of Kwantung are quite different from those in the South Manchuria Railway zone in their legal origin, their character, and various other respects. Thus it goes without saying that the adjustment and transfer of administrative rights in the South Manchuria Railway zone has no connection with Japan's rights in the Kwantung Leased Territory.