Sir H.S. Parkes to Earl Granville.―(Received June 18)

(No. 75 Confidential)
Tôkiô, May 14, 1883

My Lord

WITH reference to my despatch No. 69 of the 28th April, reporting the arrival here of General Foote, the United States’ Minister to Corea, I have the honour to report the tenour of some observations which he made to me in a conversation I had with him on the 29th ultimo.
He remarked that Corea was considered by his Government to be an independent State, and that his appointment was, of course, a demonstration of that view. They believed that the Chinese Government would approve of this recognition, as the latter had recommended the American Treaty to the Corean Government, and had aided in negotiating it. He could see that some of its details required improvement, which he would endeavour to effect, but he thought the basis of the Tariff named in the Treaty might stand as it was, as the Coreans needed money, and import duties were simply an indirect tax on the Corean People. He considered that the United States could claim any privileges that had recently been gained by China in Corea.
In reply to an inquiry of mine, he observed that no Consuls had yet been appointed by his Government to Corea, and probably would not be until they received his reports, as little or no trade was expected. He would secure sites, however, for Consular residences, and do what he could to promote the satisfactory formation of the future foreign Settlements, which he thought the foreign residents should be allowed to manage themselves.
On my asking what notice had been taken by the United States’ Government of the letter of the King of Corea to the President of the United States, I understood General Foote to reply that it was regarded by his Government as a private communication, which did not in any degree affect the Treaty. It had been, or would be only formally acknowledged. He was not precise on this point, and the Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs mentioned to me, on the 30th ultimo, that Mr. Stevens, the Foreign Secretary of the Japanese Legation at Washington (who was for many years Secretary of the United States’ Legation at Tôkiô), had advised the Foreign Office here that no answer had been returned to the King’s letter. It may occur to your Lordship that, in my despatch No. 154 of the 24th October last, I reported that Kim Ok Kiun in a conversation with me had suggested that the letter of the King to the Queen need not be answered, or that it might be returned, and it is not improbable that he made similar suggestions to the Minister of the United States at Tôkiô.
General Foote expressed a hope that the British and German Governments would shortly see their way to ratify their Treaties with Corea, to which I observed that I could say nothing as to their views or future action, but that I could not see what compensation would be derived in Corea by my Government in return for the expenses which they would incur in establishing Diplomatic and Consular officers in that country, as it appeared to me that the high duties of the Treaties would prevent the growth both of trade to the foreigners and of revenue to the Corean Government. It was probable also that the outlay would not be confined to civil expenses, for the tide of change which appeared to be setting in Corea could scarcely be attended without some degree of political disturbance. We had already witnessed one serious [convulsion] there since the Treaties were signed, and the occupation of the capital by a Chinese garrison, the presence there of a large guard for the protection of the Japanese Minister, and the known weakness of the Corean Government were indications that order had not yet been securely established there. It appeared to me, therefore, that the early stages of foreign relations with Corea would not be unattended with risk.
General Foote left Yokohama on the 2nd instant, reached Nagasaki on the night of the 6th, and left again early on the 8th in the United States’ ship of war “Monocacy,” for Corea, where he probably arrived on the 10th or 11th.
The Japanese Foreign Minister had previously apprised the Corean Government of General Foote's arrival in Japan, and had instructed the Japanese Minister at Söul to arrange for his reception. His Excellency has also attached to General Foote Mr. Saito, one of his private secretaries, who has a very good knowledge of English, acquired in the United States.

I have, &c.
(Signed) HARRY S. PARKES