The Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation between Australia and Japan was signed in Tokyo on 16 June 1976 by John Malcolm Fraser, Prime Minister of Australia, and Takeo Miki, Prime Minister of Japan, in duplicate, the English and Japanese texts being equally authentic, with seals. It is not the Treaty of Peace signed at San Francisco in 1951. The preamble seeks to place relations on a closer basis, including in the political, economic, commercial, social and cultural fields, and recognises a common interest in the prosperity of the Asian and Pacific region.

Article I: the basis of relations shall be enduring peace and friendship; the objective is to extend understanding and co-operation. Article II: co-operation in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. Article III: facilitating mutual understanding in areas of mutual interest, including consultations. Article IV: co-operation for the expansion of international trade on an open, multilateral and non-discriminatory basis, in accordance with GATT, the IMF and OECD. Articles V–VII, at framework level: economic relations on the basis of mutual benefit, recognition of a mutual interest in each being a stable supplier and market, co-operation on mineral resources including energy, and the exchange of capital and technology. A tariff schedule or a resources handbook is not set out here.

Article VIII: fair and equitable treatment as to entry, sojourn, travel and departure, without discrimination vis-à-vis nationals of any third country, and an endeavour to simplify procedures. Article IX: constant protection and security of persons and property, access to courts, fair treatment in business and professional activities, and compulsory taking of property only for a public purpose with prompt, adequate and effective compensation. A visa guide is not transcribed. Article X: shipping co-operation. Article XI: periodic review at ministerial level. Article XII: representations and consultations. Article XIII: nothing affects agreements in force at the date of signature.

Article XIV: ratification; instruments shall be exchanged at Canberra as soon as possible; it enters into force on the thirtieth day after the exchange; it remains in force until twelve months after written notice of intention to terminate. Instruments were exchanged on 21 July 1977; ATS records entry into force on 20 August 1977. A protocol signed the same day supplements the treaty. ATS 1977 No. 19.

Cover: the National Diet Building in Tokyo, the period seat; we do not claim the hall. Wikimedia Commons, free licence.

Sources consulted: Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation; Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation between Australia and Japan (ATS 1977 No. 19).