year of Taisho.

Excellency,

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's note
of this day's date in which you stated "that the places which ought to
be opened as Commercial Ports by China herself, as provided in Article 3
of the Treaty respecting the province of Shantung signed this day, will
be selected and the regulations therefor, will be drawn up by the
Chinese Government itself, a decision concerning which will be made
after consulting the Minister of Japan."

In reply, I beg to state that I have taken note of the same.

I avail, etc.,

(Signed) HIOKI EKI.

His Excellency,
Lou Tseng-tsiang,
Minister of Foreign Affairs.

EXCHANGE OF NOTES RESPECTING THE RESTORATION OF THE LEASED TERRITORY OF
KIAOCHOW BAY

--Note--

Peking, the 25th day of the 5th month of the 4th year of Taisho.

Excellency,

In the name of my Government I have the honour to make the following
declaration to the Chinese Government:--

When, after the termination of the present war, the leased territory of
Kiaochow Bay is completely left to the free disposal of Japan, the
Japanese Government will restore the said leased territory to China
under the following conditions:--

1. The whole of Kiaochow Bay to be opened as a Commercial Port.

2. A concession under the exclusive jurisdiction of Japan to be
established at a place designated by the Japanese Government.

3. If the foreign Powers desire it, an international concession may be
established.

4. As regards the disposal to be made of the buildings and properties of
Germany and the conditions and procedure relating thereto, the Japanese
Government and the Chinese Government shall arrange the matter by mutual
agreement before the restoration.

I avail, etc.,

(Signed) HIOKI EKI.

His Excellency,
Lou Tseng-tsiang,
Minister of Foreign Affairs.

--Reply--

Peking, the 25th day of the 5th month of the 4th year of the Republic of
China.

Monsieur le Ministre,

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's note
of this day's date in which you made the following declaration in the
name of your Government:--

"When, after the termination of the present war the leased territory of
Kiaochow Bay is completely left to the free disposal of Japan, the
Japanese Government will restore the said leased territory to China
under the following conditions:--

"1. The whole of Kiaochow Bay to be opened as a Commercial Port.

"2. A concessio