This dispatch is an explanation of the events which fed to the present war,
and is intended to justify China in the eyes of the world. In reply to the
Yamên, I have merely acknowledged receipt of the dispatch and stated that I
would forward to you a translation thereof.
[Inclosure in No.
37.—Translation.]
The Foreign Office to Mr.
Denby, jr.
In consequence of the insurrection that took place in the Chuan-lo
province in Korea1 some time ago, the
King of Korea presented a communication in which he asked China to give
her aid and help toward suppressing it. The minister superintendent of
northern trade thereupon memorialized the Throne in the matter.
Upon two previous occasions, risings against the political authority of
the Government of Korea have occurred, and tranquillity has been
restored by the military action of China. On the recent uprising, a
detachment of Chinese troops was sent to Korea, not to Seoul, but to the
vicinity of the capital city of Chuan-lo, when the trouble broke out,
but when the insurgents heard of this they dispersed. Our military force
showed compassion on the people, who were in distress, and had actually
planned to leave the scene where the disturbance occurred, when, to our
surprise, the Japanese Government dispatched a contingent of soldiers to
Korea, under the false assumption that they were to be employed in
helping to suppress the rebellion. But, in reality, the troops were sent
direct to Seoul, and there stationed at the important points about the
capital. Additional detachments of troops were afterwards dispatched
from time to time to Korea, making a total number of over 10,000 men.
The object the Japanese had in view was, after, all, to impress Korea by
her power, and coerce her not to recognize China as a suzerain power.
The Japanese presented a list of many administrative reforms, all of
which they insisted the King should carry into effect.
Now, it appears that Korea has been a tributary kingdom of China for many
years, a fact that is well known throughout the world. When treaties
were negotiated and concluded between Korea and foreign powers this fact
was made known, and is a matter of record. Japan, in forcing Korea not
to recognize China as a suzerain power, has thereby injured the honor
and constitutional rule of China, and has broken the friendly relations
which have hitherto existed between the two countries. It is certainly
an admirable and worthy idea to persuade a neighboring State to bring
about reforms and regulate its administrative system of government, but
it should be roused or urged
[Page 49]
to
action only by means of kind and friendly words. Is it in accordance
with right governing principles to employ a large body of troops to
oppress the country, and by force compel reforms to be made? Such a
procedure not only China would not bear, looking on quietly without
doing anything, but all the foreign Governments, it is believed would
also regard it as being wrong and improper.
From first to last frequent instructions have been sent by the British
and Russian Governments to their diplomatic representatives in Japan to
make overture to the Japanese secretary for foreign affairs to induce
his Government to cease further operations. The British secretary of
state for foreign affairs endeavored to persuade the Japanese Government
to withdraw their troops from Seoul. The Chinese and Japanese forces
thus being stationed at different places, in an even-tempered spirit,
the Korean question could then be discussed. Such a discussion would
have been just and right, but the Japanese were overbearing; they
refused to give ear to the entreaty made, and sent further detachments
of troops to Korea.
The Korean people, as well as the Chinese merchants resident in Korea,
were becoming daily more and more terrified and annoyed.
China is actuated by a desire to cultivate and maintain the strongest
relations of friendship with all nations, and she certainly would not in
a hasty manner commence hostilities, thus causing great distress to
human life and bringing injury to commerce.
Although additional Chinese troops were afterwards sent to Korea to give
protection, they were stationed a long distance from the capital and did
not join battle with the Japanese. For what reason should the Japanese
meditate trouble by secret plans? It appears that on the 21st of July,
off the coast of Ya-shan, there were several Japanese war vessels that
opened fire and caused damage to our transports, as well as sunk the
British steamer Kowshing, which was flying the
British flag. From a general view such action is unendurable. Although
China’s earnest wish Is to be friendly with other nations, still she
would find it difficult now, even in an indirect manner, to compromise
matters, and there is no alternative but for her to decide on a
determined plan of action.
It is believed that the foreign Governments, on learning of the altered
state of affairs, will be astonished and will know where to place the
responsibility.
The prince and ministers present the above, being all the particulars,
from first to last, of Japan’s action in commencing hostilities, which
is an act not only contrary to principle, but a violation of
international law. They beg the chargé d’affaires of the United States
to communicate this dispatch to his Government.
A necessary communication addressed to Charles Denby, jr., esq.
