Mr. Sill to Mr.
Gresham.
No. 16.]
Legation of the
United States,
Seoul,
Korea, June 25, 1894. (Received August
5.)
Sir:
* * * * * * *
In reference to my telegram of yesterday I may say that I had it all ready
when your message was received, as I was aware that for several days His
Majesty and his advisers were busy in preparing a dispatch asking for your
intercession.
It was intended at first to ask only the aid of America in this matter, but
lest offense might be taken, the dispatch was sent to each of the foreign
representatives here (see copy), asking the kindly offices of each. At once,
upon the receipt of this dispatch, I sent off my telegram to you as quoted.
In the meantime I joined with my colleagues—the representatives of England,
Russia, and France—in a request to the Japanese and Chinese authorities here
for a simultaneous withdrawal of their troops. (See copy.)
The German representative did not wish to join in this request before
informing his Government.
I may add that the situation grows daily more strained. The Japanese troops,
numbering some 5,000, are encamped with batteries about Seoul, and Mr. Otori
is to have an audience with His Majesty to-morrow, when it is said he will
ask certain questions which will doubtless bring matters to a crisis.
Last night I was shown a telegram to the palace, from the Korean minister at
Tokyo, stating that China and Japan, with 5,000 soldiers each, would fight
soon on Korean soil.
Admiral Skerrett is very desirous of leaving for Japan, and had publicly
announced the 23d instant as the date of his departure. In
[Page 23]
view of the alarming aspect of the situation, I
succeeded in persuading him to delay his departure. It would be exceedingly
unfortunate if I should be left at this time with our 80 Americans here
unprotected, as the greatest personal danger would doubtless be from mob
force, over which the authorities would have no control.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 1 in No
16.—Translation.]
Korean Minister of Foreign
Affairs to Mr. Sill.
Foreign
Office, Seoul,
Korea, June 24,
1894.
Your Excellency: I have the honor to state that
I am directed by His Majesty to bring to the notice of the foreign
representatives a certain condition of things now existent in this
Kingdom, with a view of its being communicated to the several
Governments having treaty relations with Korea.
At this moment the troops of two nations, namely, China and Japan, are in
occupation of Korean soil. The first, by invitation, to aid in quelling
a rebellion; the other, without invitation and against the protest of
the Korean Government, but, as represented to me, on account of
solicitude for the safety of her own subjects resident here.
The necessity for the presence of both of these has now ceased. The
Chinese authorities, under these circumstances, are now willing to
remove their troops from Korean soil, provided Japan will remove hers.
But Japan refuses to remove her troops until the Chinese have been
removed, and neglects to entertain any proposition for the simultaneous
removal of both.
The presence of a large army in time of peace, the landing of cavalry and
artillery, the placing of batteries, and keeping a guard at strategic
points after internal quiet is assured is a dangerous precedent for
other nations and a menace to the peace and integrity of His Majesty’s
realm.
I respectfully submit to the foreign representatives and their
Governments that at a time when Japan and Korea are at peace the
presence and holding of Japanese armed troops in Korean territory in
extraordinary numbers is not in accordance with the law of nations.
I am directed by His Majesty to ask that the foreign representatives,
being fully acquainted with the facts of the situation, will use their
friendly offices, as proffered by treaty, in effecting an amicable
solution of the present situation.
I have, etc.,
Cho Piong-Chik,
President of the Korean Foreign
Office.
[Inclosure 2 in No. 16.]
Joint note from the Foreign
Representatives at Seoul to the Imperial Chinese and Japanese
Representatives.
Seoul,
Korea, June 25,
1894.
Your Excellency: We have the honor to inform
you that the Korean Government has asked our friendly offices in the
present situation in Korea, and has suggested, as a solution of the
present difficulties,
[Page 24]
the
simultaneous withdrawal of Chinese and Japanese troops from the Korean
territory.
We, the undersigned representatives, solemnly submit this proposal for
your favorable consideration, as a course consistent with the honor and
dignity of two great nations with which all our Governments are in
friendly relations.
We feel confident that your excellency will fully understand that the
interests of our Governments are deeply affected, as the continued
presence of foreign troops on Korean soil may easily lead to
complications disadvantageous to the security of our nationals.
We should esteem it a favor if your excellency would be pleased to
present this communication to pour Government at your earliest
convenience. We will of course at the same time communicate immediately
the request of the Korean Government to our respective Governments.
We have, etc.,
- Jno. M. B. Sill,
For the United States. - Paul de Kehrberg,
For Russia. - J. Lefeyre,
For France. - C. T. Gardner,
For England.
