RIGHTS IN CHINA

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22478, 13 January 1943, Page 5

RIGHTS IN CHINA

Renunciation By Allies

RUGBY, JaJnuary 11

The treaty between Britain and China abrogating the existence of British extraterritorial rights in China was signed in Chungking to-day by the British Ambassador (Sir Horace Seymour) and the Chinese Minister pf Foreign Affairs 'Dr T. V. Soong). The treaty follows the announcement of Britain's intention to abrogate her rights made on October 10, 1942. A similar treaty was signed at the same time in Washington between the United States and China.

The general effect of these treaties is that British, American and Indian nationals who henceforward come before Chinese courts will be tried by those courts under Chinese law instead of by their respective consular courts. The Dominions are making their own arrangements but they have already expressed complete agreement with the main purpose of the treaty which, besides declaring the formal abrogation u f extraterritoriality, deals with certain related matters needing attention as a iialtiral consequence. It provides that a comprehensive treaty of friend ship, commerce, consular rights and navigation shall be signed between the respective countries within six months of the cessation of hostilities or earlier