New-York tribune., 1902-02-12
TWO POWERFUL ALLIES.
BRITAIN AND JAPAN JOIN
FORCES IN THE EAST.
OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE CONTRACT
TO PROTECT CHINA AND COREA

"A a
London, Feb. 11.-An important Parliamentary
paper was issued tonight giving the terms
or practical alliance between Great Britain
and Japan for the preservation of China and
Corea. The paper a dispatch sent by
Lord Lansdowne. the Secretary of state for
Foreign Affairs. on January 30 to the british
Minister at Toxic Sir Claude NJ Macdonald,
and comprises signed copy of the agreement
- explanation, the paper says the agreement
may be regarded as an outcome of The events
of the last two years Through the Boxer trou-
hes, Great Britain and Japan had been in close
and uninterrupted communication. and actuated
by similar views.
We each desire" says Lord Lansdowne. that
the integrity and independence of the Chinese
Empire should he preserved. and that there
should be disturbance of the territorial
status quo. either in China or the adjoining
regions"
The discovery that their Far Eastern policies
were Identical resulted in each party TO the
agreement expressing its desire that their COM
mon policy find expression in International
contract of binding validity
Lord Lansdowne further SAYS that the British
Government was largely influenced in entering
upon this important contract by the conviction
that it contains provisions which can be re-
garded as aggressive or self-seeking He says
it is concluded merely measure OF precau-
tion, and that it in no way threatens the present
position or legitimate interests of other powers
His majestys government trusts that the
agreement will be of mutual advantage TO the
two countries and make for the preservation of
peace, and should peace unfortunately be broken
it will have the effect Of restricting the area of
hostilities.
The following the terms of the agreement
signed in London on January 80:
The governments Of Great Britain and Japan.
actuated solely by a desire maintain the
status quo and general peace in the extreme
East and being, moreover. especially interested
in maintaining the independence and territorial
integrity Of China and Corea. and in securing
equal opportunities in those countries for the
commerce and industry Of all nations. hereby
agree follows
Article THE high contracting parties. hav-
ing mutually recognized the Independence OF
China and Corea declare themselves 10 be en-
tirely uninfueneed BY any aggressive tendencies
In either country. Having In view, however.
their especial interests OF which those OF Great
Britain relate principally 70 China. while Japan,
in addition 70 the interests she possesses in
China, is interested in a peculiar degree, po-
litcally, as well commercially and industri-
ally, in Corea, the signatories recognize that II
will be admissible for either Of them 70 take
such measures as may be Indispensable in order
to safeguard those interests IL these De threat
ened either by the aggressive action OF any other
power by disturbances arising in China or
Corea, neCessitating the intervention OF either of
the contracting parties for the protection of the
lives and property OF its subjects.
Article H. II either Great Britain or Japan,
in defence of their respective interests, abOYe
described, should become involved in a war
with another power the other contracting party
viii maintain strict neutrality and use its
efforts TO prevent other powers from joining
in the hOstilites against its ally.
Article Ill II, in the above event, any other
power powers should join in hostilites
against that ally the other contracting party
will come to it's assistance and will conduct war
ment with II.
Article " The contracting parties agree
that neither Of them Will without consulting
the other, enter into separate arrangements
with another power TO the prejudice OF the in
terests above described.
Article V. Whenever. in the opinion Of either
Great Britain or JaDan( the above mentioned
interests are jeopardized, the two governments
will communicate with one another fully and
frankly.
Article VI That the agreement come into
years and he binding for a year after either
party denounces it, but if when the date fixed
for the expiration Of the agreement arrive either
party thereto is actually engaged in war the
alliance shall, ipso facto. continue until peace is
concluded
The agreement is signed by Lord Lansdowne
and Baron Hayashi the japanese Minister to
Great Britain