F.O. Nov. 30, 1876

Sir H.S. Parkes
No. 126 Conf.

Copy to Admiralty
Sir,

I have had under my consideration your Despatch No. 163 the 11th Oct., marked “Very Confidential” reporting a conversation which you had held with the Japanese Vice Prime Minister upon the subject of Corea.
With reference to the suggestions which you make for establishing intercourse between Corea and this country, I have to state to you, that before making any overtures with this object, H.M.’s Gov’t are disposed to await the result of the Treaty recently concluded with Corea by Japan, and they do not therefore consider it desirable, for the present at any rate, to send an expedition such as you propose.

Inclosure

Sir H.S. Parkes No. 163 very Conf:

The conclusion of a Treaty with Corea or even the establishment of relations of any kind seems a doubtful advantage. As far as we can learn there is no trade in that country worth speaking of, and any expedition such as Sir H.S. Parkes suggests would run the risk of coming into collision with the Corean Govt. or of being treated in a manner which would compel us to resort to force. We can always make use of the Japanese should occasion arise for holding communications with Corea.
W.E.C.

Inclosure
F.O. Nov. 27, 1876

I am inclined to think that we had better wait till we see how the Treaty between Japan & Corea works before making any overtures of our own. The expedition might be hazardous & there is no particular hurry about Treaty making with Corea.
It looks as if the Japanese were trying to get us to do something to help them to secure the execution of their own Treaty.
Tell Sir H.S. Parkes that Ministers are disposed to await the results of the Treaty between Corea & Japan before making any overtures and that they do not therefore consider it desirable to send any expedition at all events for the present.

I quite agree.
D
N. 28