PORT OF WEIHAIWAI

Northern Advocate, 6 May 1930, Page 6

PORT OF WEIHAIWAI

BRITISH LEASE EXPIRES RESTORATION TO CHINA. CONVENTION JOINTLY SIGNED. (British Official Wireless,) (Received 12:39 p.m.) RUGBY, May a. The terms arc issued of the convention .recently signed hy Sir Miles Lampson, British Minister in China, and Dr. Wang,. Chinese Foreign Minister, for restoration in full sovereignty to China of the territory of Wcihniwai, leased to His Britannic .Majesty nndei the convention of* July 1,189 S. The convention provides that the British- garrison stationed within the? territory shall he withdrawn within one month of the convention's entry into 'force* which shall take place on its ratifieation on-October 1, 1930. The transfer- of the administration and of public properties shall take place on •the same day, and the existing administrating regulations will, as far as possible* be maintained. > All title deeds issued to Chinese owners- by the British Administration of Weihajwai -shall bo recognised as being of the same validity as during the British Administration. All title deeds issued to persons other than Chinese shall he exchanged for Chinese deeds of perpetual lease, and all lenses issued by the British Administration will he recognised. Should: the Chinese Government decide to close the port of Woihaiwai to foreign vessels and trade, with a view to utilising it- exclusively as a naval; base,, the interests of foreign property owners and; leaseholders will be bought- out at fair compensation agreed upon between the Governments of' China and! the United Kingdom? who -will- appoint a joint commission for determining the amount of this compensation in each ease. Unless the National Government of China decides to close the port with this objpet, it will maintain it as an area of international residence, and trade, and will lease to the Bluish Government for 30 years, with the option of renewal* certain lands and buildings for'the'requirements of the British Consulate and the public interests -of the residents. AH' -decisions in British courts prquounced: before the convention, shall bp eoqsidoTod to, have the f orce of those pnonounpo-d .by the Chinese- courts, pending the general application of the system of local government in China. The Chiuoso local authorities will ascertain the views of foreign residents in Wfcihadwai in such municipal matters as may affect their welfare and

interests. Til© two plempote-ntarics also signed an agreement by which the. Chinese Government will loan to the British Government, free of ebarge,, as a sanatoriuni and; summer resort for use of the British Navy, certain buildings ■ and facilities on Liuktprgtao Island in ' Weihaiwmi Bay for 10 years, with the option of renewal.