File No. 711.942/75.
The Japanese Ambassador to the Secretary of State.
Washington, February 21, 1911.
Sir: In proceeding this day to the signature of the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation between Japan and the United States, I have the honor under instructions of the Imperial Government to state that, pending the conclusion of an arrangement between the two Governments for the final disposition of existing leases in perpetuity under which property is now held by American citizens in the former Foreign Settlements in Japan, such leases shall be maintained and respected and all rights, privileges and immunities incident and relating to such property and existing at the time the Treaty signed this day enters into operation shall not be affected thereby, and in no case shall American citizens be placed in this respect in a less favorable position than subjects or citizens of any other country.
Accept [etc.]