THE COUNCIL OF FOUR


the understanding that Japan supported her claim to German islands
South of the Equator. Hence, Great Britain and France were in
much the same position in the matter.
MR. LLOYD GEORGE explained that at that time the submarine cam-
paign had become very formidable. Most of the British torpedo-
boat-destroyers were in the North Sea, and there was a shortage of
those craft in the Mediterranean. Japanese help was urgently re-
quired, and Japan had asked for this arrangement to be made. We
had been very hard pressed, and had agreed.
PRESIDENT WILSON then read extracts from the exchange of Notes
printed on page 62 of the official Claim of China for direct restitution
to herself of the leased territory of Kiauchau, etc., circulated by the
Chinese Delegation.-
"When, after the termination of the present war the leased terri-
tory of Kiauchau 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."
He then read the following reply of the Chinese Foreign Minister,
in which, after rehearsing the whole of the Japanese Note, he had
said "In reply, I beg to state that I have taken note of this declara-
tion". He then read an extract from page 82, namely, exchange of
Notes dated September 24, 1918.
"The Japanese Government, mindful of the amiable relations be-
tween our two countries and out of a spirit of friendly co-operation,
propose to adjust all the questions relating to Shantung in accord-
anice with the following articles.
1. Japanese troops along the Kiauchow-Chinan railway, ex-
cept a contingent of them to be stationed at Chinanfu, shall be
withdrawn to Tsingtau.
2. The Chinese Government may organise a Police Force to
undertake the policing of the Kiauchow-Chinan railway.
3. The Kiauchow-Chinan Railway is to provide a reasonable
amount to defray the expense for the maintenance of the above
mentioned Police Force.
4. Japanese are to be employed at the Headquarters of the
above-mentioned Police Force, at the principal railway stations,
and at the Police Training School.
5. Chinese citizens shall be employed by the Kiauchow-Chinan
Railway Administration as part of its Staff.
6. The Kiauchau-Chinan Railway, after its ownership is defi-
nitely determined, is to be made a Chino-Japanese joint enter-
prise.
7. The Civil Administration established by Japan and existing
now is to be abolished.
The Japanese Government desires to be advised of the attitude of
your Government regarding the above-mentioned proposal."
695922°-41--ol. v-0


139