The Earl of Derby
Berlin
April 22 1876

My Lord,

I have communicated the contents of Your Lordship’s dispatch No. 236 of the 11th instant, respecting the publication of the Commercial Treaty between Japan and Corea to Herr von Bülow, and have asked him whether the German Government propose to take any action at present in the direction of commercial negotiations with Corea. His Excellency says that the question will be taken into consideration when the Government is in possession of more detailed information than has hitherto been received, but that he would be glad of an exchange of views on the subject, so as to act in common with Her Majesty’s Government, if it should be thought advisable to enter upon commercial negotiations with Corea, as suggested by Sir Harry Parkes in his telegram of the 28th ultimo.
I have the honour to be, with great truth and respect,
My Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obedient, humble servant,
B. O. Russell