Minister Griscom to
the Secretary of State.
American Legation,
Tokyo, November 10,
1905.
No. 333.]
Sir: I have the honor to confirm the following
telegram sent you this afternoon:
Tenth. Copyright convention signed to-day.
Griscom.
At 4 o’clock this afternoon, at the foreign office, the copyright
convention between the United States and Japan was signed by [Page 983] Count Katsura, as minister for foreign
affairs, and by me. The English and Japanese texts are inclosed
herewith. At the request of the Japanese Government, who foresaw
possible doubt as to the meaning of the word “published “as used in
Article III, I exchanged notes with Count Katsura, concurring in the
interpretation “published for the first time.” Copies of the notes
exchanged are also transmitted herewith.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure
1.—Translation.]
The Minister for Foreign
Affairs to Minister Griscom.
Department of Foreign Affairs,
Tokyo, November 10, 1905.
No. 8. Confidential.]
Mr. Minister: With reference to Article III
of the copyright convention signed this day between Japan and the
United States of America, I have the honor, in order to avoid any
possible misunderstanding in future, to declare that the Imperial
Government take the word “published” used in the said article as
intended to mean the word “published for the first time,” and
consequently that the convention shall not be applicable to any
reproduction in future in one of the two contracting countries of
works published in the other country prior to the exchange of
ratifications. The Imperial Government should be much gratified to
be assured that your excellency’s Government concur in the
interpretation above given.
I avail myself, etc.,
[Inclosure 2.]
Minister Griscom to the Minister for
Foreign Affairs.
American Legation,
Tokyo, November 10,
1905.
No. 189.]
Monsieur le Ministre: In reply to your
excellency’s note of to-day, regarding the meaning of the word
“published” used in Article III of the copyright convention signed
this day between the United States of America and Japan, I have the
honor to state that the American Government entirely concurs in the
interpretation given by the Imperial Japanese Government to the said
word “published,” and that the said convention shall not be
applicable to any reproduction in future in one of the two
contracting countries of works published in the other country prior
to the exchange of ratifications.
I avail, etc.,
