Statement of the Foreign Office on The Same, March 23, 1939
With a view to consolidating and promoting the cultural relations existing between Japan and Italy in the spheres of arts, literature, science and jurisprudence, the Japanese Government proposed to the Italian Government in December last, the conclusion of an agreement for that purpose. The Italian Government gladly accepted, and as a result the agreement concerning their cultural co-operation has been concluded today. It is a matter for congratulation that this agreement has been put into effect at a time when the friendly relations between Japan and Italy are becoming closer than ever before by virtue of their participation in the anti-Comintern agreement.
The agreement definitely affirms in its preamble that the co-operation between Japan and Italy for the promotion of their cultural intercourse should be based upon the intrinsic features of the ancient and modern cultures of the two countries.
The agreement itself provides the general principles upon which the contracting parties should act, and the competent authorities of both countries are to determine by mutual agreement the following matters among various others which are mentioned in the agreement:
1. Establishment of committees to make suggestions and studies regarding a cultural co-operation to be proposed by one of the contracting parties.
2. Eventual foundation of new cultural institutions which will contribute toward a closer cultural contact between the two countries; maintenance and expansion of such existing institutions.
3. Adaptation of text-books used in schools of both countries within the scope to be later fixed and in conformity with the spirit of the agreement.
4. Facilities for Government students of both contracting parties.
5. Promotion of the exchange of professors and students.
6. Mutual recommendation of those who will be engaged in cultural activities in one of the two countries.
7. Promotion of friendly intercourse between Japanese and Italian youths' organizations.
8. Exchange of books and periodicals.
9. Mutual encouragement of the translation of both general and technical books and other literature which will contribute toward a closer cultural contact between the two countries.
10. Exchanges in the realm of arts.
11. Exchange of films.
12. Exchange of broadcasts.
13. Exchanges in the field of sports and public welfare.
14. Exchanges in the field of tourist industry.