Introduction to Literary Chinese - Lesson 27, Text 1
Adapted from the 1927 book by J. Brandt
中國與列強對於修改條約之心理
The Attitude of China and the Powers towards the Revision of Treaties.
九月四日。簽訂華盛頓條約之八強國者。即英比法意日和葡美等國是也。一致備文答覆中國六月二十四日之照會。對於中國所請求之修改不平等條約一層表示共同之態度。所以示列強對於中國採用同一之步驟也。
On the 4th of September, the eight Powers, signatories of the Washington Treaty, viz. England, Belgium, France, Italy, Japan, Holland, Portugal and the United States of America sent a joint note in reply to the communication of the Chinese Government of the 24th of June showing a common attitude toward China's request for the revision of unequal treaties from which it is evident that the Powers are acting in common (lit. taking the same steps) toward China.
中國與各有關係國意見之差異。從兩方往來之文件上可一望而知。
The difference between the opinions of China and the interested countries can be ascertained from the communications exchanged between both sides.
中國向列强請求根本恢復中國之主權。因此隨同之步驟。不可不先由取消一切主奴式之條約入手。約而言之。中國人欲將歷來所加諸身上之桎梏。一舉揮而去之。一躍而與世界各强國共登於平等之地位也。
China demands from the Powers a complete restoration of her sovereign rights. Therefore appropriate measures thereto must begin with the abrogation of all humiliating treaties. In a word, the Chinese desire that all fetters which hitherto bound them should be severed at one stroke, and that at a single jump China should assume a position of equality with the other Powers.
(未完)
(to be continued)