서신전달 요청에 대한 總署의 답신 보고
LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES,
Peking, April 3, 1871 (Received July 22)
Peking, April 3, 1871 (Received July 22)
Sir:
I have the honor to send herewith translation of a note from the Foreign Office, in reply to one from me requesting the good offices of the Chinese government to send a letter from me to the King of Corea.
The note, you will observe, contains a declaration that, while Corea is considered and treated as a tributary kingdom, entire independence is conceded in all that relates to its government, religion, and intercourse with foreign nations. This declaration is made at this time, undoubtedly, to guard against complications that may possibly grow out of an attempt by foreign nations to open intercourse with Corea, and relieve this Government of all responsibility for the acts of the Coreas, whether hostile or otherwise.
It is altogether probable that this course has been adopted by the Chinese officials in consequence of the action of the representative of France, who assumed to hold China responsible for the acts of the Coreans who murdered and expelled the French missionaries in 1866.
The announcement that the sending of the letter is a departure from long-established custom and therefore exceptional, which must not be construed into a precedent for granting similar favors in thee future, is put forth in this way to be quoted in case any other government should ask a similar favor.
The timidity of the Chinese officials when called upon to perform any duty not in accordance with long-established precedent and custom is quite apparent, and also their desire to avoid all complications which may by any possibility involve their government in difficulty.
The note in question also exhibits in rather a striking manner the superabundance of circumlocution with which all action of the officials is attended. This will be more apparent when you are informed that, prior to writing the letter in question or making any request to have it sent, I sought an interview with the members of the Foreign Office, at which I explained fully my purposes, the objects I have in view, and what I desire them to do, and obtained from them a promise that my wishes should be complied with.
I have the honor, &c.,
I have the honor to send herewith translation of a note from the Foreign Office, in reply to one from me requesting the good offices of the Chinese government to send a letter from me to the King of Corea.
The note, you will observe, contains a declaration that, while Corea is considered and treated as a tributary kingdom, entire independence is conceded in all that relates to its government, religion, and intercourse with foreign nations. This declaration is made at this time, undoubtedly, to guard against complications that may possibly grow out of an attempt by foreign nations to open intercourse with Corea, and relieve this Government of all responsibility for the acts of the Coreas, whether hostile or otherwise.
It is altogether probable that this course has been adopted by the Chinese officials in consequence of the action of the representative of France, who assumed to hold China responsible for the acts of the Coreans who murdered and expelled the French missionaries in 1866.
The announcement that the sending of the letter is a departure from long-established custom and therefore exceptional, which must not be construed into a precedent for granting similar favors in thee future, is put forth in this way to be quoted in case any other government should ask a similar favor.
The timidity of the Chinese officials when called upon to perform any duty not in accordance with long-established precedent and custom is quite apparent, and also their desire to avoid all complications which may by any possibility involve their government in difficulty.
The note in question also exhibits in rather a striking manner the superabundance of circumlocution with which all action of the officials is attended. This will be more apparent when you are informed that, prior to writing the letter in question or making any request to have it sent, I sought an interview with the members of the Foreign Office, at which I explained fully my purposes, the objects I have in view, and what I desire them to do, and obtained from them a promise that my wishes should be complied with.
I have the honor, &c.,
F. F. LOW
색인어
- 지명
- Corea, China
