Office of the Historian

No. 298.
Mr. Dinsmore to Mr. Bayard.

[Extract.]
Legation of the United States,
Seoul, Corea, November 17, 1887. (Received January 4, 1888.)
No. 73.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose a translation of copy of an extract of a telegraphic message from the viceroy Li Hung Chang to Yuan Sü Kwai, the Chinese representative in Seoul.

It will be seen that in this telegram Mr. Yuan is directed to instruct the Corean Government, through the foreign office, that their representatives abroad must first present themselves to the Chinese minister and be introduced by him at the foreign office. That in all official and social assemblies the Corean “representative” shall yield precedence to the Chinese “minister;” and that upon affairs of importance touching the business of the service, the Corean “representative” shall always advise with the Chinese minister “secretly” before taking action.

In this connection I take occasion to inform you that the Corean minister to the United States sailed yesterday morning with his suite by U. S. S. Omaha for Nagasaki en route to Washington.

I have, etc.,

Hugh A. Dinsmore.
[Inclosure in No. 73.]

Telegram from his excellency Li Hung Chang to Mr. Yuan Sü Kwai, Chinese Commissioner at Seoul.

  • First. After arrival at his post, the Corean minister must go first to the Chinese legation and ask the Chinese minister’s assistance, and call together at the foreign office. After which, he may call at his pleasure and convenience.
  • Second. If there should he any reception, or official assembly or dinner, or toasts drunk, or any mutual meeting, the Corean representative must take a lower place than the Chinese representative.
  • Third. If there happens to be any serious question, the Corean representative must consult secretly with the Chinese representative, and discuss the affair with him. This rule is absolutely required according to the rules of a vassal State. It does not concern the other Goverments, and they will not be able to know of it.

Now, this question has not yet been decided by imperial decree; but I must advise it in the spirit of our friendly relations. China and Corea must nourish a kindred feeling for each other and assist each other. Ministers being selected from Corean dignitaries, they should always show confidence and respect to each other. This should be the proper course for the Corean representative.

This you shall first communicate to the Corean foreign office, and it may hand it over to the King, who may order his proper officers to act accordingly.