relations existing between China and Corea, and my reply was accordingly couched in terms which made the envoys understand that the stratagem was seen through.
"I deeply regret," I said, "to hear that the Government chooses to make use of so shallow a pretence for declining the friendly proposals addressed to the same. As to my going to Pekin to ask for a letter authorizing the opening of Corea, you know that such a demand is as preposterous as childish, for you are yourselves perfectly well aware that such an application will lead to nothing, even if directed to the Chinese Government through the proper quarter. If the Corean Government thinks that foreigners abroad are so ignorant of the actual state of affairs between China and Corea, you may disabuse the authorities at Saoŭl on this point, and, although it seems now apparently to suit its purpose, to appeal to a dependence from China which has long since ceased to exist, as a reason for refusing this application, you may understand that I can only regard this in the light of a badly chosen subterfuge. It would have been better and far more gracious, to reply by a frank and straightforward refusal at once. I should then have known at all events, with whom I had to deal, and there would have been no reason to question the sincerity and truthfulness of your Government. It has been my object, during the visits I have paid to your country, to prove by a friendly and open manner to the
