# The Truth about China and Japan/Document B

APPENDIX
(B)
DOCUMENTS CONCERNING MUTUAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN CHINA AND JAPAN RELATIVE TO JOINT ACTION AGAINST THE ENEMY
(Otherwise known as the Secret Sino-Japanese Military Agreement of May, 1918)
I
(Exchange of Notes)
The Chinese Minister to Japan to the Japanese Minister for Foreign Office
Dated March 25, 1918.
Excellency:
I have the honor, under instructions from my Government, to bring up for onsideration by Your Excellency's Government certain questions, below outlined, which my Government, having regard for the present day situation, believes to be of the utmost importance to both our countries, and which it desires to attend to in co-operation with your Government:
1. The Chinese and Japanese Governments, in view of the daily increasing strength of the enemy, within the borders of Russia, the result of which cannot help but be a menace to the peace and tranquillity of the entire Far East, and having due regard for these facts, and for the necessity that the two countries are under of entering into this conflict, cannot but take into consideration at an early date the question of what joint action they should take.
2. In accordance with the idea above outlined, after the two countries have come to an understanding, and in pursuance of such decision as may be made, the proper officials of the two countries should arrange ​jointly for the delineation of the sphere of such joint military and naval operations as may be contemplated against the enemy, and should draw up the rules therefor. The proper officials should, when the time comes, consider together carefully and frankly the question as to the mutual rights and restrictions of the two countries, so that after these decisions have been made, active operations may be undertaken when the occasion arises.
I have the honor to present the above points for Your Excellency's consideration and request the honor of a reply.
I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency the assurance of my highest consideration.
Chang Tsung-hsing,[Seal] Chinese Minister.
His Excellency, The Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Reply of the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Chinese Minister
Dated March 25, 1918.
Excellency:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note as follows: "I have the honor, under instructions from my Government, to bring up for consideration by Your Excellency's Government certain questions, below outlined, which my Government, having regard for ​the present day situation, believes to be of the utmost importance to both our countries, and which it desires to attend to in co-operation with your Government:
"1. The Chinese and Japanese Governments, in view of the daily increasing strength of the enemy, within the borders of Russia, the result of which cannot help but be a menace to the peace and tranquillity of the entire Far East, and having due regard for these facts, and for the necessity that the two countries are under of entering into this conflict, cannot but take into consideration at an early date the question of what joint action they should take.
"2. In accordance with the idea above outlined, after the two countries have come to an understanding, and in pursuance of such decision as may be made, the proper officials of the two countries should arrange jointly for the delineation of the sphere of such joint military and naval operations as may be contemplated against the enemy, and should draw up the rules therefor. The proper officials should, when the time comes, consider together carefully and frankly the question as to the mutual rights and restrictions of the two countries, so that after these decisions have been made, active operations may be undertaken when the occasion arises."
I have the honor to state in reply that the Imperial Government is in complete accord with the views of Your Excellency's Government, and will be very glad to co-operate with your Government along the lines set forth in Your Excellency's Note.
​I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency the assurance of my highest consideration.
Minister for Foreign Affairs.[Seal]
His Excellency, Chang Tsung-hsiang, Chinese Minister.
II
The Sino-Japanese Joint Military Pact
In accordance with the result of the negotiations between the Governments of China and Japan and also with the documents exchanged between them (see appendices Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4) the following Articles have been decided upon by the officials appointed by the military authorities of the two countries:
Article 1. The Armies of China and Japan, seeing that the enemy influence has extended to Russian territory, realizing that the general peace and tranquillity in the Far East having been endangered, and being agreed that the two countries should carry out their duties as participants in the War, have decided to adopt defensive measures against the enemy.
Article 2. Regarding the joint military action the two countries should regard each other on an equal footing in respect of their position and also their advantages and disadvantages.
Article 3. The Governments of China and Japan shall, from the date this Pact commences to be oper​ative, issue instructions to their armies, officers and civilians ordering them to accord favourable treatment to each other in all the areas of action so that the object of adopting joint defensive measures against the enemies may be realized.
The Chinese authorities within the war area shall try their best to co-operate with the Japanese armies in order to prevent the Japanese armies from experiencing any obstacles, while the Japanese troops shall respect the sovereign rights of China as well as observe the usual customs of the Chinese so that they may not experience any inconvenience.
Article 4. All the Japanese troops in Chinese territory employed for joint defence against the enemy shall, after the termination of the war, be entirely withdrawn.
Article 5. The two countries shall dispatch their armies to places outside their own territories whenever it is deemed necessary.
Article 6. The duties of the contracting parties within the war area or arising from the war, shall, when consistent with the object of the Defence Pact, separately be decided upon by the military authorities of the two countries according to their respective military strength.
Note.—With reference to the term "shall be separately decided upon" in Article 6 the said decision shall be agreed upon by both parties prior to the operation of war.
Article 7. The military authorities of both parties ​shall, during the time of joint military operations, carry out the following measures in order to facilitate co-operation:—
I. The two contracting parties shall each appoint officers to the organs directing the military operations in order to keep open the means of communication.
II. In order to facilitate the military operations and the transportation of supplies, the two contracting parties shall mutually assist each other in the transmission of naval and military communications.
III. In connection with constructions necessary to the operation of war, such as railways, telegraphs and telephones, etc., they shall be temporarily agreed upon by the commander-in-chief of both parties until the end of the war, when all such works should be removed.
IV. Arms and military necessities and their raw materials needed for the joint defence are to be provided to each other in such quantities as not to interfere with those needed by their own respective countries.
Article 8. When the time comes to use the Chinese Eastern Railway for transporting purposes the original treaties shall be observed in the directing or controlling of this line. The method of transportation shall be decided as occasion requires.
Article 9. The detailed stipulations governing the enforcement of this Pact shall be mutually decided upon by delegates appointed by the military authorities of the two contracting parties.
​Article 10. This Pact as well as all other matters contained therein shall be kept secret as military matters by China and Japan.
Article 11. This Pact shall become valid after it has been signed and sealed by the military representatives of China and Japan and also recognized by their own governments. The time to commence war operations shall be decided by the high commanding quarters of the two countries. All rules based on this Pact shall become null and void after the war against Germany and Austria has come to an end.
Article 12. This Pact is written in both Chinese and Japanese in duplicate and after it has been signed each of the parties shall retain a copy as proof.
Peking, May 16th of the 7th year of the Republic
of China. May 16th of the 7th year of Taisho.
Military Delegates of the Chinese Republic.
Sealed by Gen. Chin Yun-peng, Chief Delegate.
[Delegates:]
Lieut.-Gen. Tung Huan-wen,
Lieut.-Gen. Cho Tung-feng,
Major-Gen. Tien Shu-lien,
Major-Gen. Liu Tse-tung,
Major-Gen. Kiang Shou-chi,
Major-Gen. Ting Chin,
Liu Tsung-chi,
Councillor of War
Participation Bureau,
Major-Gen. Chang Chi-yuan,
Major Chen Hung-kwei, Major Chun Hua. [Japanese Military Delegates:]
Major-Gen. Saito,
Chief Delegate,
Major-Gen. Ugaki,
Lieut.-Col. Honokura,
Major Kwasaki,
Captain Yamada.
III
Text of the Sino-Japanese Joint Military Defence Pact
In accordance with the results reached after negotiations between the Chinese and Japanese Governments and the official notes exchanged at Tokyo between the two Governments on the 25th day of the 3d month of the 7th year of the Chinese Republic, that is the 25th day of the 3d month of the 7th year of Taisho, the delegates appointed by the naval authorities of both countries of the two countries have agreed upon the following terms:—
Article 1. In view of the eastward extension of the enemy influence as a result of which the peace and tranquillity of the entire Far East will be menaced, and with a view to coping with such a situation and discharging the obligations of the two countries as participants in the present European ​War, the Chinese and Japanese navies shall take concerted defensive measures against the enemy.
Article 2. In taking joint military action the two parties shall respect their mutual advantages and disadvantages and equality regarding their respective positions.
Article 3. When the two parties begin to take action in accordance with this Pact each shall issue orders or instructions to their respective warships and officials and civilians in the war areas, enjoining them to accord favourable treatment to, and take concerted action with, each other in order to realize the object of defending jointly against the enemy.
Article 4. Regarding the war areas and obligations in connection with war for the purpose of defending jointly against the enemy the naval authorities of the two countries shall make agreements in accordance with their respective naval strength.
Article 5. With a view to facilitating co-operation in time of war the naval authorities of both parties shall do the following:—
I. Each party shall appoint officers to communicate with the naval organs directly connected with naval operations of the other party.
II. With a view to ensuring the activity and accuracy in transportation and supply, each party shall give every facility to the other regarding transportation and the transmission of messages on land or on water.
III. Regarding the repairs of warships, arms and ​war machines, etc., and the materials required for that purpose, each party shall render assistance to the other within their ability; and so with other war necessaries.
IV. Regarding naval technical officers directly connected with war if the Chinese and Japanese navies require mutual assistance the same shall be supplied by each upon the request of the other.
V. The navies of the two countries shall establish scout organs themselves in the areas in which the same are required and exchange navigation charts and reports required for joint action. And with a view to ensuring the activity and accuracy in message transmission and mutual communication in order to afford mutual help and facilities, the two parties concerned shall consider and agree upon the necessary organizations and establishments at times when the same are required.
VI. The naval signals shall be mutually decided upon.
Among the matters stipulated in the various provisions of this Article those that require planning or execution in advance shall be mutually agreed upon before actual operation of war takes place.
Article 6. Regarding the detailed stipulations for the enforcement of this Pact they shall be decided and agreed upon by the negotiators appointed by the naval authorities of the two countries.
Article 7. China and Japan shall not give publicity to this Pact and the detailed stipulations supple​mentary thereto. They shall be treated as naval secrets.
Article 8. This Pact shall take force as soon as it has been signed and sealed by the naval representatives of the two countries and sanctioned by the two Governments. War operations shall commence after an agreement and decision have been reached between the highest naval authorities of the two countries by negotiations at an opportune moment.
This Pact and the detailed stipulations based on the said Pact shall become null and void as soon as the state of war between China and Japan and Germany and Austria has terminated.
Article 9. Two sets, each containing two copies, one in the Chinese and the other in the Japanese language, shall be provided and signed and sealed after a comparison. Each party shall keep one set for reference.
(Signed and sealed in Peking) on the 19th day of the 5th month of the 7th year of the Chinese
Republic. The 19th day of the 5th month of the 7th year
of Taisho.
IV
An Explanatory Note to the Sino-Japanese Naval Joint Defence Pact
(1) With a view to facilitating Sino-Japanese naval co-operation in war and in order to fulfil the object of Article 1 of the Joint Defence Pact, the Chinese and Japanese navies shall take concerted action and render assistance to each other so that the military plans may be fully and effectively carried out.
(2) The following explanations should be appended to the various sections of Article 5 of the Joint Defence Pact:—
Regarding the officers stated in Section I, they shall be appointed from among the naval attachés to the Legation and the naval officers stationed at various places. When the appointment of other officers becomes necessary they may be appointed upon mutual agreement at any moment.
In Section III regarding the materials required, as metals, military requisites, as fuel, foodstuffs and munitions, the two parties shall each supply such quantities as are within their power.
Regarding the exchange of navigation charts as stated in Section V it shall be done upon the request by any one party. When a supplementary survey of the bays in the military areas becomes necessary in the opinion of representatives of both parties the naval officials of the country to which the said ter​ritories belong shall make a supplementary survey of the same.
(Signed) The 19th day of the 5th month of the 7th year of the Chinese Republic, The 19th day of the 5th month of the 7th year of Taisho (in Peking), By Chief Delegate, Vice-Admiral Sheng Shou- kun.
[Delegates:] Rear-Admiral Wu Cheng-nan, Rear-Admiral Chen En-tao, Junior Captain Wu Kwang-chung. Rear-Admiral Yoshida, Captain Ishuyin, Captain Kabayama.
V
Detailed Stipulations Regarding the Enforcement of the Sino-Japanese Joint Military Defence Pact
In accordance with Article 9 of the Sino-Japanese Joint Military Defence Pact the officers concerned appointed by the military authorities of the Chinese and Japanese Governments have agreed upon the following terms regarding Articles 6 and 7 of the said Pact:—
Article 1. China and Japan shall each dispatch a portion of their forces to the Rear (?) Baikal and ​Heilungchow (Amur) regions to carry on separate military operations there. Their duties shall be to assist the Czecho-Slovak forces and oust German and Austrian influences and those helping them.
In order to secure uniformity of command and facilitate the co-operation, the Chinese forces in the said areas shall be placed under the command of the Commanding Japanese officer.
In order to enable the troops operating from Manchuli to Rear Baikal to assist and communicate with each other a portion of Chinese troops shall carry on operations in the areas extending from Urga to the Lake of Baikal. In case China wishes a portion of Japanese troops to be dispatched to those areas Japan will do so and place them under the command of the Commanding Chinese officer.
China shall take defensive measures herself to strengthen her position on the frontiers westward of Central Mongolia.
Article 2. Regarding the mutual supply of war materials, although agreements may be entered into between the Commanders at the front in regard to absolutely necessary articles, yet regarding the supply of other articles and materials agreements shall be arrived at between the highest war supply organs in Tokyo and Peking.
Article 3. Regarding sanitary measures Japanese troops shall, if China wishes, offer the Chinese troops every facility within their ability. But in future when the circumstances shall have developed Japanese ​troops shall be entitled to receive assistance from China regarding the establishment of hospitals and resting stations, etc.
Article 4. Regarding the transportation of Chinese troops and war supplies through the South Manchuria Railway, China shall first convey such materials to Dairen, Yingkow or Fengtien, whence their transportation to Changchun shall be undertaken by the Japanese troops.
If China wishes a body of Japanese troops to be sent to join the Chinese troops going from Urga to carry on operations in the Baikal regions the transportation of these Japanese troops and war supplies to Taku, Chinwantao or Fengtien shall be undertaken by the Japanese troops themselves; but henceforward it shall be undertaken by the Chinese troops.
Regarding transportation through the Chinese Eastern Railway it shall be undertaken by the authorities of the said railway administration. And with a view to facilitating negotiations with the said authorities and making systematic and regular the transportation of Chinese, Japanese and Czecho-Slovak troops, China and Japan shall establish joint organs. If the Allied troops operating in these regions want their appointed officers to participate in these organs they may be allowed to do so.
Article 5. Regarding the appointment of communication officers, if future circumstances necessitate the appointment of other officers than those whose appointment has already been mutually agreed upon ​the same shall be undertaken by the highest war supply organs in Tokyo and Peking. Regarding other matters negotiations may be conducted from time to time.
Article 6. For the weapons, war supplies and raw materials to be mutually supplied and for the transportation of troops by each country prices shall be paid either from time to time or after the conclusion of the military operations.
Article 7. Two sets of this document, each containing two copies, one in the Chinese and the other in the Japanese language, shall be provided, and signed and sealed by the two contracting parties after comparison. Each party shall keep one set for reference.
The 6th day of the 9th month of the 7th year of the Chinese Republic.
The 6th day of the 9th month of the 7th year of
Taisho.
VI
A Supplement to the Sino-Japanese Joint Military Defence Pact
The Government of China and the Government of Japan after negotiations between their respective highest military representatives have, according to Article 9 of the Sino-Japanese Joint Military Defence Pact and the provision regarding the termination of the state of war embodied in Section 2, Article 11, of the said Pact, agreed upon the following terms:—
​The termination of the state of war against the enemy countries, namely Germany and Austria, shall mean the time when both the Chinese and Japanese Governments shall have approved the Peace Treaty concluded with the enemy countries by the European Peace Conference and when both Chinese and Japanese troops stationed outside Chinese territories shall have been withdrawn simultaneously with the troops of the various Allied countries stationed in the same territories.
Two sets of this Pact each containing copies, one in the Chinese and the other in the Japanese language, shall be provided, and signed and sealed by both parties after comparison. Each party shall keep one set for reference.
(Signed) The 5th day of the 2d month of the 8th year of the Chinese Republic. The 5th day of the 2d month of the 8th year of Taisho. By the Military Representatives of the Chinese Republic. The Military Representatives of the Japanese Empire.
VII
A Supplement to the Sino-Japanese Joint Naval Defence Pact
The Government of China and the Government of Japan, after negotiations between their respective ​highest naval authorities, have, according to Article 6 of the Sino-Japanese Joint Naval Defence Pact, and the provision regarding the termination of the state of war embodied in Section 2, Article 11 of the said Pact, agreed upon the following terms:—
The termination of the state of war against the enemy countries, namely, Germany and Austria, shall mean the time when both the Chinese and Japanese Governments shall have approved the Peace Treaty concluded with the enemy countries by the European Peace Conference and when both Chinese and Japanese naval forces shall have been withdrawn from Russian territories simultaneously with the naval forces of the various Allied countries stationed in the same territories.
Two sets of this Pact, each containing two copies, one in Chinese and the other in the Japanese language, shall be provided and signed and sealed by both parties after comparison. Each Party shall keep one set for reference.
The 1st day of the 3d month of the 8th year of the Chinese Republic. The 1st day of the 3d month of the 8th year of Taisho.
N.B.—In addition to these various agreements, there are certain memoranda to interpret the meaning of the various clauses which are still kept secret.