The Japanese reply to the recent Chinese request for a
fundamental revision of the Chino-Japanese Treaty of 1896 shows that Japan suspects calculated provoca- tion. The Chinese time-limit of six months suggests that the attitude towards Japan and the highly irregular denunciation of the Treaty with Belgium are both part of an arranged policy. The Japanese reply temperately consents to revision within the six months but points out that the Treaty itself limits revision to commercial matters. Nevertheless Japan is willing to enter into discussions covering the whole field. The reply ends with a rebuke which is quoted textually by the Peking correspondent of the Times. The manner of the Chinese request is said to be out of accord with that spirit of mutual confidence and helpfulness which alone can ensure the success of negotiations. * *
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