No. 1017

US Consulate General at Shanghai
Shanghai
December 28th, 1875

Mr. Seward
To the Department of State,
Honorable John L. Cadwalader
Assistant Secretary of State Washington

Subject
Japan and Corea

Abstract
States that the Japanese seem to just matters to the extreme, and that the Chinese will not interfere unless the Japanese attempt to a permanent occupation.

Sir
Mr. Bingham will doubtless have kept the Department informed of the disposition of Japan toward Corea. So far as can be seen here the insular empire is disposed to push matters to the extreme. The progress of the Japanese Minister to Peking overland from Chefoo at this inclement season is an indication that the situation has become urgent.
The relations between China and Corea are intimate but there is no interdependency of the respective governments. Corea will be at liberty to make a Treaty with Japan, or a war, as she prefers. China will not however permit Japan to make an extensive permanent occupation of Corean territory. It is her historical policy to keep peninsula independent and she will not hesitate if necessary to yield to it the force of arms.
I doubt much whether the ambitious Japanese look only to make a treaty of amity and commerce. They probably desire to occupy the peninsula. This task, if undertaken, will be a grave one, even if China holds aloof. It will be almost hopeless if the Chinese actively assist Corea.

I have the honor to be
Sir
Your obedient servant
(Sign) John F Seward consul General