THE TREATY PORTS

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4802, 26 June 1939, Page 6

THE TREATY PORTS

TIENTSIN AND KULANGSU. FOREIGN POWERS’ INTERESTS. Tientsin and Kulangsu, which have been figuring prominently in the development of the present critical critical situation in the Far East, are types of the various treaty ports, concessions and territorial leases held by various foreign Powers and scattered all over the commercial centres of China, particularly on the coast and along the navigable rivers. Most have complete self-government; others a large part of it. These privileges were obtained to ensure protection of the various nationals from the tyranny and oppression of the former Imperial Regime in China. Since the inauguration of the Chinese Republic there has been an understanding that with the consolidation of the new Government’s authority, and its capacity to guarantee security and justice of foreign interests, these would be gradually abolished. During the war Germany and Austria lost their concessions. Russia’s were cancelled in 1920, and Britain has relinquished concessions at Hankow, Kuchiang, and Amoy, retaining those at Tientsin, Canton and Newchwang. There is also the great international settlement at Shanghai, where there is also a French settlement. France has concessions in four ports, Japan in five, and Italy in one.

American Interests in China

The United States Government is keeping a vigilant eye on American interests in China. In an official statement in reply to a question from the U.S. Senate, Mr. Cordell Hull, Secretary of State, said that there were about 6000 American nationals in China compared with 15,000 when the present fighting began in July, 1937. These are protected by a force of 500 marines at Peiping, a military force of 600 at Tientsin, and 2555 marines at Shanghai. American investments are estimated at about £33,000,000, and missionary and charity properties are valued at £8,000,000. The Chinese debt to the United tSates, amounting to £8,000,000, is in default.