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근대한국외교문서

조청(朝淸) 종속(宗屬)관계 보고

미국과 청국의 교섭
  • 발신자
    C. Holcombe
  • 수신자
    J. G. Blaine
  • 발송일
    1881년 12월 19일(음)(1881년 12월 19일)
  • 출전
    NARA II, M 92 R 59
No. 30
One Enclosure
Legation of the United States
Peking, December 19th 1881
Honorable James G. Blaine
Secretary of State

Sir:-

I have just sent to the Department the following telegram in cipher: ―
Peking, 19/12.81
Secretary of State
  Washington, D.C.
Viceroy Li informs Shufeldt
Corea willing to make treaty
with us. Word has come
from Corea.’ Holcombe, Chargé”
This telegram is based upon a letter which I received yesterday from Commodore Shufeldt, a copy of which is enclosed.
It is unnecessary for me to detail here the history of Viceroy Li’s intention in this matter, and which has resulted in the message sent by him on the 15th instant to Commodore Shufeldt, as the Department is already possessed of all necessary information upon that point. You will not fail to notice the intimation in the letter enclosed that the Viceroy has broached this subject to Sir Thomas Wade.
It is generally understood that the anxiety of that high Chinese official to see Corea enter into treaty relations with Western Powers has been the outgrowth of a fear lest Russia should seize the Corean peninsula and so threaten the integrity of China in a far more serious manner than ever before. And he has doubtless correctly reasoned that, by bringing Corea to the front and causing her to take a place, and to enter into treaties, with the family of nations, he would materially lessen the danger of the occupancy of her territory, and the extinction of her autonomy by any foreign Power.
It is also whispered that the “certain circumstances” or conditions which Viceroy Li is ready to render us his assistance in this business, are substantially, that any treaty so made shall distinctly recognize the suzerainty of China over the Kingdom of Corea. I am unable to say whether this rumor has any foundation in truth. Nor is it for me to say whether such condition, if proposed, should be accepted. The Department is doubtless well aware that in the two treaties made between Japan and Corea in 1876, no such recognition is to be found.
It should, however, be understood that the word “suzerainty” does not properly express the relation that exists between China and Corea, the latter being to all intents and purposes an independent Kingdom. Once in each year the King sends an embassy with presents to the Emperor who makes certain presents to the King in return. In the train of this Embassador is found a number of Corean merchants who are permitted to bring their wares into China and to take away their purchase free of all duties and taxes of every sort. Upon the accession of any person to the Throne of Corea a high dignitary is deputed by the Emperor of China to proceed thither and recognize the new Sovereign. A similar formality is observed on the part of the Corean King when a change occurs in the ruler of China. And thus is described the entire relationship which constitutes the miscalled suzerainty of China over Corea. There is absolutely no interference on the part of this empire in either the domestic or foreign concerns or policy of her neighbor. The relation between the two Powers is that of a powerful to a weaker ally, and not that of a suzerain to a vassal.
It may be added here that the above will also serve as an accurate description of the relationship which existed for centuries between Japan and Lewchen, and between the latter Kingdom and China.
As to the practical value of any treaty which the United States may be able to conclude with Corea, I am at present able to say but little. That peninsula is, to all purposes an unknown land, and the very meager accounts which have been published of its population, wealth, products, etc. etc. are derived so entirely from unreliable sources as to be nearly worthless. A good deal has been written, comparatively speaking, of the mineral resources of Corea, but this has been based, not upon the reports of accurate surveys nor even upon the personal observation of trustworthy travelers, but purely on hearsay. It is at least safe to assume that, if that country possesses great mineral resources, they are as yet quite underdeveloped.
I may add in conclusion that I am now seeking such information as is available upon all these points and may serve to guide the Department in its consideration of the question whether to attempt to conclude a treaty with Corea. Whatever information I may obtain will be laid before you at the earliest possible moment.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant
Chester Holcombe

Enclosure
Commodore Shufeldt to Mr. Holcombe December 16th 1881

색인어
이름
James G. Blaine, Li, Shufeldt, Holcombe, Shufeldt, Shufeldt, Thomas Wade, Li, Chester Holcombe, Shufeldt, Holcombe
지명
Peking, Peking, Washington, Lewchen
관서
Legation of the United States
사건
the two treaties made between Japan and Corea in 1876
오류접수

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조청(朝淸) 종속(宗屬)관계 보고 자료번호 : gk.d_0006_0890