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312 The Netherlands Government will co-operate with the Government of the Republic of China for the reaching of any necessary agreements with other Governments concerned for the transfer to the Government of the Republic of China of the administration and control of the International Settlements at Shanghai and Amoy, including the official assets and the official obligations of those Settlements, it being mutually understood that the Government of the Republic of China in taking over administration and control of those Settlements will make provision for the assumption and discharge of the official obligations and liabilities of those Settlements and for the recognition and protection of all legitimate rights therein.

Article V In order to obviate any questions as to existing rights in respect of or as to existing titles to real property in the territory of the Republic of China possessed by Netherlands nationals or companies or by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, particularly questions which might arise from Lhe abrogation of the provisions of treaties or agreements as stipulated in Article II, it is agreed that such existing rights or titles shall be indefeasible and shall not be questioned upon any ground except upon proof, established through due process of law, of fraud, or of fraudulent or other dishonest practices in the acquisition of such rights or titles, it being understood that no right or title shall be rendered invalid by virtue of any subsequent change in the official procedure through which it was acquired. It is also agreed that these rights or titles shall be subject to the laws and regulations of the Republic of China concerning taxation, national defence, and the right of eminent domain; and that no such rights or titles may be alienated to the Government or nationals or companies of any third country without the express consent of the Government of the Republic of China. It is also agreed that if it should be the desire of the Government of the Republic of China to replace by new deeds of ownership existing leases in perpetuity or other documentary evidence relating to real property held by Netherlands nationals or companies or by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the replacement shall be made by the Chinese authorities without charges of any sort and the new deeds of ownership shall fully protect the hr lders of such leases or other documentary evidence and their legal heirs and assigns without diminution of their prior rights and interests, including the right of alienation. It is further agreed that Netherlands nationals or companies shall not be required or asked by the Chinese authorities to make any payments of fees in connection with land transfers for or with relation to any period prior to the effective date of this Treaty. No.' 23