Mr. Sherman to Mr. Allen.
Washington , November 30, 1897 .
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your No. 18, diplomatic series, of the 14th ultimo, in relation to the ceremony attending the assumption by the King of Korea of the title of Emperor.
The Department commends your prudence in dealing with His Majesty’s assumption of the imperial title, and understands, as you do, that it is not a change of Government, but merely a change of style on the part of “The chief ruler of the country,” and as such needs no formal entrance upon new relations, as in the case of a revolutionary government assuming power, or a dynastic or constitutional change in the organization and function of a State.
Should any other governments take official cognizance of the change in His Majesty’s title, and reaccredit their envoys accordingly, you will at once report the fact to the Department and await further instructions.
Respectfully, yours,