Mr. Allen to Mr.
Day.
Legation of the United States,
Seoul, Korea, May 26,
1898.
No. 109. Diplomatic]
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith an
extract from the Seoul Independent of yesterday’s date, giving a
translation of the new convention concluded between Japan and Russia on
April 25, 1898.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 1 with Mr. Allen’s No.
109.]
[The Independent, Tuesday, May 24, 1898.]
the new russo-japanese convention.
Published in the Official Gazette of the 10th of May, as follows:
Convention.
In accordance with Article IV, of the convention signed at
Moscow on June 9, 1895, Baron Nishi, minister of state for
foreign affairs of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, and
Baron Rosen, envoy extraordinary and minister
plenipotentiary of His Majesty the Emperor of Russia, have
each been empowered and enter into the following agreement:
- 1.
- The Governments of Japan and Russia both recognize
the national rights and complete independence of
Korea, and agree to make no direct interference in
the internal affairs of that country by either of
the two Governments.
- 2.
- In order to avoid misunderstanding in the future
both Governments agree that in case Korea asks
either Japan or Russia for advice and assistance,
the two Governments will take no steps whatever by
way of appointing military instructors or financial
advisers, unless negotiations to that effect have
been opened and settled beforehand.
- 3.
- The Russian Government recognizes that
undertakings pertaining to the commerce and industry
of Japan are greatly developed in Korea, and that
there are a large number of Japanese residents in
that country, and therefore it will in no way
obstruct the commercial and industrial interests
existing between Japan and Korea.
Two copies of the above done at Tokyo on 25th of April,
1898.
Nishi.
Rosen.