花押〈光〉 花押〈董〉 花押〈慎〉
電受第二六六号 142wds 【佐藤愛麿】
Mutsu,
Tokio.
Entering into 京城 have found the state of affairs very different from what expected at the time of departure. Chinese soldiers were not present at 京城; rebels defeated; 全州 restored and Chinese soldiers have not advanced farther than 牙山. As such has been and still is the situation here I find no reason for an increase of guards of the Legation; as it is however very impolite to return 3,000 soldiers arrived 仁川 六月十五日 without doing anything we must find out some reason for employing them effectively; happily 袁世凱 came 六月十五日 and proposed to withdraw China soldiers at the same time with the Japanese. I answered that I would ask for instructions as I was not empowered to withdraw Japanese soldiers. I believe taking advantage of this occasion to demand Corean Government and 袁世凱 withdrawing Chinese troops before that of ours. If 袁世凱 refuse to comply with our demand, we may consider that refusal as endeavours on the part of China to support her suzerainty over this country and as denial of our efforts in maintaining independence of Corea; as such act of Chinese Government also seriously affects our interests in Corea we may with every reason on our part drive out Chinese soldiers by force. May I resort to such energetic measures if after all amicable arrangement cannot be reached without impairing our dignity answer immediately.
Otori.
Seoul June 18. 1984 1-30
Rec'd 〃 19. 〃 8-42
