File No. 1166/283–284.
Chargé Dodge to the Secretary of State.
Tokyo, September 30, 1907.
Sir: Referring to my dispatch No. 417, of the 19th [20th] instant, I have the honor to inclose to you herewith a translation of the official text of seven further ordinances, Nos. 296 to 302,a all dated the 19th instant, relating to the reorganization of the imperial residency-general in Korea, consequent upon the new Japanese-Korean agreement. The text of the first ordinance of the series, No. 295, of the same date, was inclosed in my dispatch above referred to.
Some of the most notable alterations caused by the reorganization are the following:
Article 3 of the old ordinance authorized the resident-general representing the Imperial Government in Korea to handle foreign affairs, except those handled by foreign representatives in Korea, to supervise administrative affairs affecting foreigners, and to supervise affairs in charge of the Japanese authorities by virtue of treaties. The present ordinance states that the resident-general will represent the Imperial Government in Korea and administer different affairs by virtue of treaties and laws.
A vice-resident-general is created to assist the resident-general and to represent him in case he is absent. Baron Sone has been appointed to this post, who was formerly minister of finance in the Katsura Cabinet and is a leader of Prince Yamagata’s party. This is probably one of the chief reasons for his appointment.
[Page 776]The director-generalship is retained, but the directors-general of foreign affairs, of agriculture, commerce and industry, and of police are abolished and replaced by the councilors to be chiefs of the departments of foreign affairs and legislative affairs, respectively. The latter is indicative of the share the residency-general will take in redrafting the Korean laws. To these two councilors are added all the Korean vice-ministers of state who are now all Japanese and are made councilors ex officio in the residency-general.
The police force of the residency-general are abolished, since the Korean police now have a Japanese chief and a large number of Japanese officers and constables.
The financial inspectors of the residency-general are also abolished, as the Korean ministry of finance is now controlled by a Japanese vice-minister, who, consequently, is a councilor of the residency-general.
The result of the reorganization is a substantial diminution of the personnel of the residency-general, largely through the absorption of its functions by the Korean ministries. A notable saving of expense to the Japanese Government is realized by this plan, which will also result in an increase in the expense of the Korean Government.
The plan for the reorganization, or organization, of the Korean judiciary is being actively pushed forward and a new code is being prepared by Professor Ume. The new system, which will be introduced gradually, will eventually consist of three or four grades of courts and will be inaugurated by the establishment of a supreme court.
The separation of the two Emperors is evidently causing some trouble, and Prince Ito’s departure for Seoul has been received with much satisfaction.
I have, etc.,
- Not printed.↩