Page:The Truth about China and Japan - Weale - 1919.djvu/180

 the present day situation, believes to be of the utmost importance to both our countries, and which it desires to attend to in co-operation with your Government:

"1. The Chinese and Japanese Governments, in view of the daily increasing strength of the enemy, within the borders of Russia, the result of which cannot help but be a menace to the peace and tranquillity of the entire Far East, and having due regard for these facts, and for the necessity that the two countries are under of entering into this conflict, cannot but take into consideration at an early date the question of what joint action they should take.

"2. In accordance with the idea above outlined, after the two countries have come to an understanding, and in pursuance of such decision as may be made, the proper officials of the two countries should arrange jointly for the delineation of the sphere of such joint military and naval operations as may be contemplated against the enemy, and should draw up the rules therefor. The proper officials should, when the time comes, consider together carefully and frankly the question as to the mutual rights and restrictions of the two countries, so that after these decisions have been made, active operations may be undertaken when the occasion arises."

I have the honor to state in reply that the Imperial Government is in complete accord with the views of Your Excellency's Government, and will be very glad to co-operate with your Government along the lines set forth in Your Excellency's Note.