For the ambassador.
[Inclosure.]
Agreement between the United Kingdom and Japan,
signed at London, August 12, 1905.
preamble.
The Governments of Great Britain and Japan, being desirous of
replacing the agreement concluded between them on the 30th of
January, 1902, by fresh stipulations, have agreed upon the following
articles, which have for their object—
- (a)
- The consolidation and maintenance of the general peace in
the regions of eastern Asia and of India.
- (b)
- The preservation of the common interests of all powers in
China, by insuring the independence and integrity of the
Chinese Empire and the principle of equal opportunities for
the commerce and industry of all nations in China.
- (c)
- The maintenance of the territorial rights of the high
contracting parties in the regions of eastern Asia and of
India, and the defense of their special interests in the
said regions.
Article I.
It is agreed that whenever in the opinion of either Great Britain or
Japan any of the rights and interests referred to in the preamble of
this agreement are in jeopardy, the two governments will communicate
with one another fully and frankly and will consider in common the
measures which should be taken to safeguard those menaced rights or
interests.
Article II.
If by reason of unprovoked attack or aggressive action, wherever
arising, on the part of any other power or powers either contracting
party should be involved in war in defense of its territorial rights
or special interests mentioned in the preamble of this agreement,
the other contracting party will at once come to the assistance of
its ally and will conduct the war in common and make peace in mutual
agreement with it.
Article III.
Japan possessing paramount political, military, and economic
interests in Korea, Great Britain recognizes the right of Japan to
take such measures of guidance, control, and protection in Korea as
she may deem proper and necessary to safeguard and advance those
interests, provided always that such measures are not contrary to
the principle of equal opportunities for the commerce and industry
of all nations.
Article IV.
Great Britain having a special interest in all that concerns the
security of the Indian frontier, Japan recognizes her right to take
such measures in the proximity of that frontier as she may find
necessary for safeguarding her Indian possessions.
Article V.
The high contracting parties agree that neither of them will without
consulting the other enter into separate arrangements with another
power to the prejudice of the objects described in the preamble of
this agreement.
Article VI.
As regards the present war between Japan and Russia, Great Britain
will continue to maintain strict neutrality unless some other power
or powers should join in hostilities against Japan, in which case
Great Britain will come to the assistance of Japan and will conduct
the war in common and make peace in mutual agreement with Japan.
Article VII.
The conditions under which armed resistance shall be afforded by
either power to the other in the circumstances mentioned in the
present agreement, and the means by which such assistance is to be
made available, will be arranged by the naval and military
authorities of the contracting parties, who will from time to time
consult one another fully and freely upon all questions of mutual
interest.
[Page 489]
Article VIII.
The present agreement shall, subject to the provisions of Article VI,
come into effect immediately after the date of its signature and
remain in force for ten years from that date.
In case neither of the high contracting parties should have notified
twelve months before the expiration of the said ten years the
intention of terminating it, it shall remain binding until the
expiration of one year from the day on which either of the high
contracting parties shall have denounced it. But if when the date
fixed for its expiration arrives either ally is actually engaged in
war the alliance shall ipso facto continue
until peace is concluded.
In faith whereof the undersigned, duty authorized by their respective
governments, have signed this agreement and have affixed thereto
their seals.
Done in duplicate at
London, the 12th day of August,
1905.
[
l. s.]
Lansdowne,
His Britannic
Majesty’s Principal Secretary of State for Foreign
Affairs.
[
l. s.]
Tadasu Hayashi,
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister
Plenipotentiary of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan at the
Court of St. James.
