(Signed) LOU TSENG-TSIANG.
His Excellency,
Hioki Eki,
Japanese Minister.
Peking, the 25th day of the 5th month of the 4th year of Taisho.
Excellency,
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's note of this day's date in which you made the following declaration in the name of the Chinese Government:—"Within the Province of Shantung or along its coast no territory or island will be leased or ceded to any foreign Power under any pretext."
In reply I beg to state that I have taken note of this declaration.
I avail, etc.,
(Signed) HIOKI EKI.
His Excellency,
Lou Tseng-tsiang,
Minister of Foreign Affairs.