The undersigned Count Ito Hirobumi, Junii, grand cross of the imperial order of Paullownia, minister president of state, and Viscount Mutsu Munemitsu, Junii, first class of the imperial order of the Sacred Treasure, minister of state for foreign affairs, the plenipotentiaries of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan; and Li Hung-Chang, plenipotentiary of His Majesty the Emperor of China, senior tutor to the Heir Apparent, senior grand secretary of state, minister superintendent of trade for the northern ports of China, viceroy of the province of Chihli and earl of the first rank, have concluded the following treaty of armistice:—
Art. 1. The Imperial governments of Japan and China agree to enforce an armistice between their respective military and naval forces in the provinces of Fêng-tien, Chihli and Shan-tung subject to the provisions contained in the following articles:—
Art. 2. The forces affected by this armistice shall have the right to maintain the positions respectively occupied by them at the time hostilities are actually suspended, but they shall not under any circumstances during the existence of this armistice advance beyond such positions.
Art. 3. The two governments engage during the existence of this treaty not to extend, perfect or advance their attacking works or to reinforce or in anywise to strengthen either for offensive or defensive operations their confronting military line. But this engagement shall not prevent either government from making any new distribution or arrangement of troops not intended to augment or strengthen the armies now actually in the field and engaged in active military operations.
Art. 4. The movement of troops and the transportation of military supplies and all other contraband of war by sea shall be subject to the ordinary rules of war and shall consequently be liable to hostile capture.
Art. 5. This armistice shall be enforced by the imperial governments of Japan and China for the period of 21 days from the date of the signature of this treaty.
In those localities occupied by the troops of the two governments to which there is no telegraphic communication the quickest possible means shall be employed in issuing the orders for the armistice, and the respective commanders of the two countries shall upon the receipt of such orders announce the fact to each other and take steps to enforce the armistice.
Art. 6. This armistice shall terminate, without notice on either side, at mid-day on the 20th day of the 4th month of the 28th year of Meiji corresponding to the 26th day of the 3rd month of the 21st year of Kwang-Hsu. If in the mean time the depending negotiations for peace are broken off, this armistice shall in that case terminate at the same time such negotiations cease.
In witness whereof the plenipotentiaries of Japan and China have hereunto set their hands and affixed their seals.
Done at Shimonosiki, Japan, this 30th day of the 3rd month of the 28th year of Meiji corresponding to the 5th day of the 3rd month of the 21st year of Kwang-Hsu.