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Appendix No. 4. Ryder, Commander-in-chief on the China Station, relative to the encroachment of Russia and the sur- veying operations of German and Japanese surveying vessels on the coasts of the Corea.
PORT HAMILTON.
2. Before replying to the Vice-Admiral's communication, my Lords would be glad to be favoured with the Secretary of State's observations in reference to the proposed occupation of Port Hamilton, on which subject their Lordships are not aware that any previous question has been raised.
Inclosure 7 in No. 104.
Foreign Office to Admiralty.
I am, &c.
(Signed)
ROBERT HALL.
Sir,
Foreign Office, July 24, 1875.
I AM directed by the Earl of Derby to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday's date,* together with its inclosure, relative to the proposed occupation of Port Hamilton, in view of the difficulties arising between Japan and Corea, and the proceedings of certain foreign Powers in reference to the latter country; and I am to state to you, in reply, that a telegram, of which a copy is herewith inclosed, has been received from Her Majesty's Minister in Japan on this subject; and I am to add that, before taking any steps in the matter, Lord Derby would be glad to be informed what is known of Port Hamilton, and likewise to be favoured with any observations which the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty may have to make thereupon.
I am, &c.
(Signed)
Inclosure 8 in No. 104.
Sir H. Parkes to Foreign Office.
ROBERT BOURKE.
(Telegraphic.)
Yedo, July 20, 1875.
DIFFICULTIES are rising between Japan and Corca, and rupture of relations appears probable. An understanding between Russia and Japan as to attack on Corea is reported. Japanese vessels of war are already engaged in surveying east coast of Corea. A large German corvette is also surveying the west coast, with a view, as it is believed, to occupation. Passage south of Corea is now commonly frequented by British ships, who, in case of wreck, are exposed to the cruelty of the Coreans.
Submit proposition that Captain St. John be instructed to proceed at once to survey south coast of Corea and outlying islands, which would be more useful than remaining in the Inland Sea.
Admiral telegraphs to the same effect.
In view of [ ], by probable eventualities, I also advise, with Admiral's concurrence, that we should immediately occupy Port Hamilton, if this has not already been done by another Power.
The great importance of these islands is well known to Admiral Shadwell. Admiral (Ryder) leaves for Hakodate to-morrow.
I can communicate with him periodically [ Anxiously await immediate reply.
] 26th.
Inclosure 9 in No. 104.
Admiralty to Foreign Office.
ty
Admiralty, July 26, 1875.
Sir,
WITH reference to my letter of the 23rd * and your reply of the 24th instant,† I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit, for the Earl of Derby's information, a copy of a Report, dated this day, from the Hydrographer of this Department, on the position and capabilities of the harbour of Port Hamilton, in the Corea.
2. My Lords would observe, that if Her Majesty's naval forces take possession of that port, which appears to be a dependency of China as well as of Japan, questions would no doubt arise with those countries as to the right of Great Britain to forcibly occupy an island of a State in amicable relations with Her Majesty's Government.
3. The subject, however, appears to their Lordships to be for the consideration of Her Majesty's Government rather than this Department, and they can only express to the Earl of Derby their readi- ness to send any telegraphic instructions to the Naval Commander-in-chief on the China Station which it may be deemed expedient to issue, observing that there would be no objection to sending Her Majesty's surveying vessel "Sylvia" to survey the south coast of the Corea and the outlying islands should it be considered advisable to do so.
* Inclosure 6.
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I am, &c. (Signed)
ROBERT HALL.
Inclosure 7.
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