Most Confidential
No. 5
The Earl Granville K.G.
Yedo, January 10, 1882

My Lord,

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lordship’s Despatch marked Most Confidential, No. 78 of the 15th of November last, enclosing copy of a Despatch from Her Majesty’s Charge’ d’ Affaires at Washington stating that he learns that both the United States and Russia are desirous of obtaining a foothold in the Korea.
After careful consideration of the statement contained in Mr. Drummond’s above mentioned Despatch, I am disposed to think that they are merely the echoes of impressions as to the designs against Korea of Russia and the United States which existed here during the summer of 1880 and during the winter months of 1880-81.
During the former period, Commodore Shufeldt, of the United States ship “Ticonderoga,” made two unsuccessful attempts to make a Treaty with Korea under the patronage of Japan, and during the latter period much anxiety was felt by the Government of Japan lest Admiral Lessofsky with his powerful fleet should take possession of a portion or at least a Port of Korea.
On the above point I had at the time the honor to report fully to Your Lordship in a series of Despatches relating to Korea, and especially as regarded the movements of Russian and American Commanders in my Despatches marked Confidential, Nos. 90, 85, and 135 of May, June, and August 1880, and, as regards the Russian designs, in my Despatch Confidential No. 30 of the 24th of March 1881. Since the latter date I have ceased to report to Your Lordship on Korean affairs, because the Treaty of Kuldja, the dispersion of the Russian fleet, and the return home of Commodore Shufeldt has greatly lessened the interest taken by my Colleagues, by myself, and by the Government of Japan in the politics of Korea.
The only recent event which may be said to point to American designs upon Korea was the return last spring to Peking from Washington of Commodore Shufeldt.
This event was duly reported to Your Lordship in my Despatch Confidential, No. 61 of the 8th of June last, and it is doubtless the Commodore’s presence in China which gave rise to the suspicions [ _______ ] impending American designs upon Korea.
In my above mentioned Despatch Confidential, No. 30 of 1881, I reported to Your Lordship the assurances given to me here by the Russian Minister and reiterated at Peking by the Russian Charge’ d’ Affaires to the effect that Russia had no designs upon Korea. During the past few weeks Mr. Koyander, who, as Your Lordship is aware, was in charge of the Russian Legation at Peking during the Kuldja negotiations and who is now here on his way home, has frequently conversed with me on Eastern politics. He declares that Russia has never wished to annex any portion or Port of Korea, although such an operation might have become a necessity in case of war with China, and in support of his assertion he cites the inaction of Admiral Lessofsky towards Korea during the spring of last year when the Admiral had under his orders the most powerful Russian fleet ever collected in the same waters. To the above argument other reasons for Russian inaction may be added, such as the untimely death of the late Emperor and the domestic and financial difficulties of the Empire.
As regards the presence at Peking of Commodore Shufeldt, Mr. Koyander tells me that the Commodore is very reticent about himself and his plans, and answers all enquiries by stating that he has been sent to Peking by his Government as Naval Attache’ to the United States Legation. Mr. Koyander, however, believes that Commodore Shufeldt is trying to get appointed Commander in Chief of the Chinese navy and that he still cherishes the design of opening Korea to American trade to the glory of himself and his country and, it may be added, to the advantage of all other nations.
Information respecting Commodore Shufeldt will doubtless have been furnished [ ______ ] and Korea, in reply to Mr. Drummond’s allusion to Korea as “that mysterious country supposed to contain enormous mineral wealth,” I would say “omne ignotum pro magnifico.” As a result of communications with many Koreans and Japanese residents in Korea, I incline to the belief that Korea is a poor country and that, whatever riches may exist, they have [ ______ ]
In speaking of their country Koreans as a rule are influenced by their personal feelings. Those who wish to see the country opened to foreign intercourse describe Korea as teeming with undeveloped resources whilst the Conservative or anti-foreign party assert that Korea is miserably poor in all respects.
I do not believe, as I have already had the honor to inform Your Lordship in previous despatches, that it would be worth the while of Great Britain to enter into Treaty relations with Korea unless it could be done on the invitation of the Korean Government and with the concurrence of the Suzerain Power of China.
From a commercial point of view Korea offers but poor and vague prospects. The cotton goods imported into the country are mostly of British manufacture, transshipped into Japanese ships at Nagasaki for conveyance to Fusan.
Politically speaking the opening of Korea might obviously under certain circumstances be of advantage to Great Britain and to other European Powers, but in that case, in my humble opinion, combined and not isolated action should be taken towards Korea by the Powers of Europe and America.
I have the honor to be with the highest Respect,
My Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obedient, humble servant,

J.P. Kennedy