Office of the Historian

File No. 1166/79–80.

The Japanese Ambassador to the Secretary of State.

Japanese Embassy,
Washington, July 26, 1907.
No. 51.]

Sir: In pursuance of instructions received from the Imperial Government of Japan, I have the honor to announce to the Government of the United States the conclusion of a new agreement between the Governments of Japan and Korea, a translation of which I beg to inclose herewith.

For your reference I may add that Article I of the protocol between Japan and Korea, signed on August 22, 1904—this article abrogated by the agreement now concluded—reads as follows:

The Korean Government shall engage as financial adviser to the Korean Government a Japanese subject recommended by the Japanese Government, and all matters concerning finance shall be dealt with upon his counsel being taken.

Accept,

Viscount S. Aoki.

[Inclosure.—Translation.]

Imperial Japanese Embassy,
Washington.

Agreement between Japan and Korea, signed at Seoul, July 24, 1907.

The Government of Japan and the Government of Korea, being animated by the desire to attain speedy development of the strength and resources of Korea and to promote the welfare of her people, have, with that object in view, agreed upon the following stipulations:

  • Article I. The Government of Korea shall act under the guidance of the resident-general in respect to reforms in administration.
  • Art. II. The Government of Korea engage not to enact any laws, ordinances, regulations, nor to take any important measures of administration without the previous assent of the resident-general.
  • Art. III. Judicial affairs in Korea shall be set apart from the affairs of ordinary administration.
  • Art. IV. The appointment and dismissal of all the high officials in Korea shall be made with the concurrence’ of the resident-general.
  • Art. V. The Government of Korea shall appoint as Korean officials Japanese subjects recommended by the resident-general.
  • Art. VI. The Government of Korea shall not engage the services of any foreigner without the concurrence of the resident-general.
  • Art. VII. Article I of the protocol signed between Japan and Korea on August 22, 1904, shall hereafter cease to be binding.

In witness whereof, the undersigned, duly authorized by their respective Governments, have signed this agreement and have affixed thereto their seals.

(Signed)
Marquis Ito,
Japanese Resident-General.

(Signed)
Ye Wan Yong,
Prime Minister of Korea.

The 24th day of the seventh month of the fortieth year of Meiji.