GIVE UP RIGHTS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 241, 12 October 1942, Page 3

GIVE UP RIGHTS

GESTURE TO CHINESE United Nations To Relinquish Concessions United Press Association—Copyright WASHINGTON. Oct. 11. The United States has prepared promptly to negotiate a treaty providing the immediate relinquishment of American extra-territorial rights in China, said the United States Under-Secretary of State, Mr. Sumner Welles, to the Chinese Ambassador, Mr. Wei Tao Ming.

Mr. Welles added that the British Government shared America's views and was taking similar action.

The announcement that Canada was also prepared to relinquish her extra-territorial rights in China was made by the Prime Minister. Mr. W. L. Mackenzie King, speaking at Ottawa. He said this would not adversely affect Canadian ownership of land in China, or facilities for travel, residence or trade.

The Chinese Ambassador to Washington said the relinquishment of extra-territorial rights would mark the beginning of a new era in China's relations with the Western Powers and seal the end of an out-of-date and outworn system.

The Washington correspondent of the New York Times points out that although the question has been actively considered for several months the announcement was timed for China's national anniversary as an encouragement to her in her fight against the Axis.

The news that P.ritain and America are relinquishing their extra-territorial rights in China has caused the greatest jubilation, says the Chungking correspondent of the New York Times. This action will not only remove a humiliating relic of foreign imperialism, but it will serve as a tremendous encouragement to the Chinese to fight harder than ever now that China stands on an equal footing with the other United Nations.

Extra-territorial rights gave foreign countries supreme control over certain areas in China, removing them entirely from Chinese jurisdiction. Treaty ports are examples of such areas. An Englishman at a British treaty port, was immune from Chinese law and taxation. No Chinese official could enter or search his house. Only his own Court could deal with him. At a treaty port the consul was chief official, and at the International Settle-1 rnent of Shanghai, which grew up under the extra-territorial system, law was j maintained by the judges of a Supreme Court. 1