This decree explains to the people of China the causes of the war. It is a
justification by the Emperor of the hostilities in which the nation is
involved, It is published, as he says, “for the information of our
[Page 53]
people that they may know that in
this affair the action taken by us has been actuated by a sense of the
utmost kindness and of what was right and just.”
Orders are given to the Viceroy Li to dispatch troops to Korea “to join
battle with our foe,” and the authorities of the maritime provinces are
directed to engage with any Japanese vessels that approach, which, “without
regard to number, are to be destroyed and exterminated,” The decree
concludes with a timely warning against any disposition to retreat.
[Inclosure in No.41.]
A decree issued by His Majesty the Emperor of China,
August 1, 1894.
Korea has for more than two hundred years been a tributary kingdom of
China, and she has every year sent us her offerings of tribute. This is
known to China and foreign powers alike.
During the past ten and more years there have been frequent insurrections
in Korea, and cherishing, as we have, a kindly feeling toward a small
and weak power, we have on several occasions dispatched our troops
there, by whose action tranquility has been restored. We have also
deputed a representative to reside at Seoul for the purpose of extending
his good offices in the way of giving protection (to the Koreans) as
occasion made it necessary.
During May of this year another insurrection occurred in Korea by a
rebellious faction, and as the King requested us to come to his aid and
help suppress the outbreak, we commanded Li Hung-chang to dispatch a
contingent of soldiers to render due assistance. On our force reaching
Ya-shan the insurgents dispersed and scattered like stars. But the
Japanese, however, without cause or reason, dispatched a force of
soldiers to Seoul, and afterwards these were supplemented by additional
detachments, making the total of over 10,000 men. Japan’s policy was to
force Korea to make changes in her system of administration of
government. In everything demanded they presumed on their power, and it
was difficult or impossible to make them amenable to reason or
advice.
Our Government has adopted the policy to tranquilize our vassal domain,
but in the administration of her affairs of state we have hitherto
commanded Korea to manage them herself. Japan and Korea entered into
treaty relations as between two states, and it is decidedly against all
reason for Japan by a strong military force to insult and oppress Korea
and compel her by such means to make changes in the administration of
her Government. The public opinion in foreign countries is that Japan,
in sending an armed force, for no proper reason, to Korea, is at
variance with the fundamental principle of reason. She has been
persuaded to withdraw her troops and to discuss the questions at issue
in an even-tempered spirit, but she has been overbearing and refused to
give ear to the entreaty made; after all, nothing has been accomplished
to the end in view.
Japan has, however, continued to send further reinforcements 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, when
China dispatched additional contingents of troops for the purpose of
affording due protection. To our surprise, while our transports were en
route to Korea, they suddenly met a number of Japanese war vessels.
Knowing that our vessels were not prepared to meet them in action, when
off the coast of Ya-shan, the Japanese vessels opened fire and damaged
and destroyed some of our transports. This changed aspect of affairs
certainly was a surprise.
The Japanese have, by their action, not only violated treaty
stipulations, but they have disregarded the rules of international law.
They have also arbitrarily acted in a violent and oppressive manner and
have been guilty of treacherous schemes. They are responsible for the
commencement; of hostilities which, justly speaking, is plain and
clear.
We now proclaim this special decree for the information of our people
that they may know that in this affair the action taken by us has been
actuated by a sense of the utmost kindness, and of what was right and
just; but the Japanese, on the contrary, have revoked the compact with
Korea and commenced hostility, an act entirely in violation of all
principle. Under the present condition of affairs it is impossible for
us to show any leniency whatever.
[Page 54]
Let Li Hung-chang issue stringent orders for the immediate dispatch of
troops from the various armies to the seat of war to join battle with
our foe. Let the very best drilled troops be selected and be dispatched
from time to time, and thus rescue the Korean people from their present
state of distress.
Let all the Tartar generals, governor-general, and governors of the river
and maritime provinces, and the high military commanders make all
arrangements for warfare, and whenever Japanese steam vessels are met
entering any of the treaty ports they are to meet them and fight them to
the very utmost. Without regard to their number they are all to be
destroyed and exterminated. Let there be not the least show of
retreating under the penalty of punishment.
This, our decree, is proclaimed for general information.
