English translation of the regulations of the island Sakhalin., March 18, 1867, (corresponding with Keio 3d year Hiuoto, on the 25th day of the 2d month.)

English translation of the regulations of the island Sakhalin.

The envoys of his Majesty the Tycoon of Japan, arrived at St. Petersburg, communicated to the ministry of foreign affairs that their government, feeling misunderstandings which may arise on the island Saghalien in consequence of the common possession of this island, and in order to strengthen the friendship now existing between Russia and Japan, desires to determinate the frontier lines, admitting as such any natural boundary, mountain, or river.

In the conferences which took place on this subject, the Private Counsellor Stremoonkhow, director of the Asiatic department, declared that the Russian government could not accept the proposals to draw the line on the island itself, for the reasons which were fully explained to the envoys of his Majesty the Tycoon. At the same time the Russian government, desirous of a mutual and friendly understanding on Sakhalin question, made the following proposals:

1. To consider the maritime straits bearing the name of Laperouse as the frontier between Japan and Russia, these straits being the natural boundary between the two states under the condition of appropriating the whole island of Saghalien to Russia.

2. All the fisheries now belonging to the Japanese on the island of Saghalien will in the future remain in their enjoyment.

3. To concede to Japan complete and indisputable possession of the island of Uroop, now belonging to Russia, with three neighboring small islets called Tcherpry, Brother of Tcherpry, and Broton.

4. In case an understanding concerning the former articles should prove impossible, the island of Saghalien will remain as before, in common possession.

Both parties not having come to an understanding on this subject, the island of Saghalien is left as before, in common possession, and the following temporary regulations are agreed upon in order to promote peace and good intelligence between the subjects of both states:

Article I. Russians and Japanese on the island of Saghalien shall maintain peaceful and friendly relations. The settlement of any disputes and misunderstandings arising, intrusted to the local authorities. If these local authorities cannot settle the dispute, it shall be submitted to the nearest Russian and Japanese governors.

Art. 2. In consequence of common possession, Russian and Japanese are at liberty to circulate upon the whole island, to make settlements, and to erect buildings in all localities not yet occupied by buildings, industrial establishments, or gardens.

Art. 3. The indigenes of the island have the full and free enjoyment of their personal rights, as well as of their properties. They can, by their own agreement, be hired by Russians or Japanese. Indigenes having contracted debts or cash or goods, or being in debt at the present moment towards Russians or Japanese, are allowed to cancel them by work or services, for any term previously determined, if they are willing.

Art. 4. If the Japanese government should, in the course of time, agree with above-mentioned proposals of the Russian government, the nearest local governors will be appointed to negotiate a final treaty.

Art. 5. The above-mentioned regulations are to be applied from the moment of their reception on the island of Sakhalin by the local authorities—i. e, no later than six months after their signature.

All other less important questions not mentioned in the present regulations shall be resolved by the local authorities of both states in the same manner as before.

In witness whereof the plenipotentiaries of both parties have signed these temporary regulations, and caused their seals to be affixed.

An English translation is joined to the present, duly signed by the interpreters of both parties.