Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1894

Mr. Ye Sung Soo to Mr. Gresham.

No. 20.]

Legation of Korea,
Washington , July 5, 1894 . (Received July 5.)

Sir: I am just in receipt of a telegram stating that—

The foreign representatives at Seoul have had a meeting. The Japanese minister declines to withdraw Japanese troops. Please ask the President of the United States to adjust the difficulty.

May I ask that you promptly inform me of any information you may receive relating to affairs in Korea which you can communicate to me.

Accept, etc.,

Ye Sung-Soo,
Minister Resident for Korea.

[Inclosure 1 in No. 20—Telegram.]

The Korean Government to Mr. Ye Sung-Soo.

The Palace , June 28, 1894 .

The Japanese minister called at the palace to-day and requested me to instruct our prime minister or the president of the foreign office to have a meeting and change our political system. It seems to be a serious condition of affairs, and he refuses to withdraw Japanese troops.

See the Secretary of State promptly and explain to him the importance of a powerful conference to adjust the difficulty and avert a conflict.

[Inclosure 2 in No. 20.]

Korean Government to Mr. Ye Sung-Soo.

The Palace. [undated].

The Chinese and Japanese troops remain in Korea. The ministers of foreign countries are to have a conference on the subject of the present condition of affairs; respectfully ask the Government of the United States to instruct its representatives in China, Japan, and Korea to use their efforts in averting any conflict, and ask that the troops of the respective countries be withdrawn as speedily as possible.