The Washington times., 1938-06-24

State Department officials firm
Officials were profoundly
shocked by news reports from
China that Japan openly was
stating that hencefortf, in areas
conquered by the japanese army,
the extra territorial rights guar
anteed the United States by
China, and in effect for many
years, would be summarily abol-
ished.
DRASTIC ACTION
News reports that this drastic
action had been decided upon by
Japan, announced by an official
japanese spokesman in Shanghai,
was without immediate confirma-
ton through diplomatic channels.
However, official diplomatic re
ports to the State Department
from its embassies and consulates
abroad travel much more slowly
than news dispatches.
There have been increasing evi-
dences that Japan all along has
intended abolishing the extra-ter-
ritorality rights as we'll as black
ing out America economically from
the Asiatic scene.
Responsible officials have said
that if preliminary reports are
true such a move will test the en-
tire future course of Americas
policy in the Far East. 1t Is OF
utmost Importance, they said.
NEVER VIOLATED
The rights of extra-territoriality
have been observed by all nations
under international law for half
century. They were granted the
United States, Great Britain,
France, Germany, Russia, Por-
tugal and the Netherlands as well
40 to Japan, by China, to make
possible the economic and COM
mercial development of that back
ward land.
This right of extra-territoriality,
officials explained, goes to the
very roots of international priVl-
leges in the Far East.
Through this medium the United
States and other countries were
guaranteed the right to maintain
not only commercial contacts but
to guarantee the legal rights
against any possible local dis
elimination of Americans in
China.
HAS OWN COURTS
China is the single nation In all
the world in which such rights OF
extra-territoriality are held by the
United Sattes or any foreign coun-
try. The peculiar privileges date
back to the past century, when
China was unable to preserve law
and order and foreigners were not
safe in the country unless pro
tected by their own armed forces.
Under these rights the United
States Government maintains its
own courts in China, a branch OF
the United States Federal District
of California. 1t has its own judge,
Federal district attorney, deputies
and other regular court attaches.
When litigation arises concerning
an American or his rights in
China it is handled by this court.
NO RECOGNITION
The United States. like several
other nations, also maintains
troops in Shanghai, Peiping and
TientSin. For many years 1t has
kept fleet in China water further
to guarantee American rights and
protect American citizens.
The United States will not ac-
cept any step by Japan to abolish
the rights Of extra-territoriality.
This Government has not, and has
no intention, Of recognizing
Japan's taking over by military
force Of any areas in China, 1t
was stated. Therefore, this Gov
eminent looks upon the Chinese
national government as the only
vested authority in China, outside
of its own rights under existing
treaties.
Japan, itself, heretofore, has
avoided the entire issue in China
by waging an "undeclared" war
and asserting she has no terri
torial designs on China but mere
ly seeks to maintain her own
rights. Japan, constantly, has In
sisted 1t will make no attempt to