500.A4a/162

Draft by the Secretary of State of an Agreement between the United States of America, the British Empire, France, and Japan 14

With a view to the preservation of the general peace and the maintenance of their rights with respect to their insular possessions and dominions in the Pacific Ocean, the Signatory Powers agree as follows:

I

They engage as between themselves to respect the said rights, and if there should develop between any two of the High Contracting Parties controversies on any matter in the above-mentioned region which is likely to affect the relations of harmonious accord now happily subsisting between them, they shall invite the other High Contracting Parties to a joint conference to which the whole subject will be referred for consideration and adjustment.

II

If the said rights are threatened by the aggressive action of any other Power, the High Contracting Parties shall communicate with one another fully and frankly in order to arrive at an understanding as to the most efficient measures to be taken, jointly or separately, to meet the exigencies of the particular situation.

III

This agreement shall remain in force for ten years from the time it shall take effect, and after the expiration of said period it shall continue to be in force subject to the right of any of the High Contracting Parties to terminate it upon six months notice.

IV

This agreement shall be ratified as soon as possible in accordance with the constitutional methods of the High Contracting Parties [Page 8] and shall take effect on the exchange of ratifications, which shall take place at Washington, and thereupon the agreement between Great Britain and Japan, which was concluded at London on July 13, 1911, shall terminate.

  1. Undated; this draft was prepared immediately after word had been received from the Japanese Government that a quadruple agreement would be acceptable (file no. 500.A4a/160).