Appendix No. 13

Request from Wang Chao-ming Concerning Implementation of the Principle of Respecting the Sovereignty of China (October - November 1939)

Outline:

1. China will strictly forbid philosophies and arguments which tend to incite hostility toward Japan, and will foster pro-Japanese nationwide education. It is requested that the Japanese authorities, on their part, correct the contemptuous and aggressive thought and attitude of Japanese toward China and initiate pro-Chinese education.

2. With a view to removing the suspicion that Japan intends to interfere in our internal affairs, the Japanese authorities are requested to avoid installing political advisors or officials of similar titles in our Central Government. It is desired that all necessary negotiations with Japan on political matters be conducted by the Japanese ambassador to China through legitimate channels.

3. With a view to eliminating suspicion of interference by Japan in internal affairs, it is requested that no Japanese nationals be appointed officials of those Yuans and departments of the Central Government which are concerned in administrative affairs. (Treatment of advisors in technical fields will be stipulated separately.) It is requested that the cooperation required by Japanese armed forces from provincial or municipal governments be sought through diplomatic channels, instead of written order or verbal notification.

4. With a view to preventing suspicion or fear among our people toward Japan, it is advisable to avoid appointing Japanese nationals under any titles as officials of provinces or ordinary municipal government, since they are administrative organs functioning in direct contact with the people. It is requested that the placation teams be promptly withdrawn from all districts except those in which military operations are currently conducted.

5. With a view to demonstrating the financial independence of

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the nation, it is requested that no Japanese organ or individual be allowed to occupy or operate, directly or indirectly, any revenue agency of any kind.

6. It is requested that steps be taken toward the correction of the contemptuous conduct and attitude of certain Japanese military and civilian personnel in China. Such matters, though trivial in appearance, constitute a considerable impediment to friendship between the two nations. It is desired that particular caution be taken in instructing Japanese military and civilian personnel.

Military Affairs:

1. Independence of China's supreme military authority must be established without fail. An advisory group will be established within the central supreme military organ to which will be invited Japanese, German and Italian military experts. Half of the members of the above group will be Japanese, the remaining half Germans and Italians. The chairman will be Japanese.

2. No Japanese, German or Italian expert should be appointed to, or put in charge of, any duty under any title in any armed unit of China.

3. The national defense policies of both China and Japan should conform to the principle of joint defense against communism.

Economy:

1. The supreme authority over public and private enterprises operated in partnership between the two nations should definitely be vested in China.

2. Economic collaboration should be exercised on the basis of reciprocity and equality.

Other matters:

1. It is fully understood that the question of removing restrictions on navigation on the Yangtze River is inseparable from the requirements of military operations. However, we believe that the settlement of this problem will be a key factor in determining the future

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attitude of third powers. This is necessary as recognition de facto of the new central government will have a great bearing upon the destiny of the Chungking regime.


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