Mr. Denby, chargé, to Mr. Gresham.
Peking, June 9, 1894. (Received July 18.)
Sir: I have the honor to confirm my telegram of yesterday’s date as follows:
China sending troops Korea to assist that Government against insurgents.
Without going into an account of the present rebellion in Korea, which has doubtless been reported by the United States minister at Seoul, I feel it my duty to advise you of China’s action in the matter.
In response to an appeal addressed to China by the King of Korea, through the Chinese resident, 1,500 Chinese troops were shipped from Tien-tsin on the China Merchants’ Steam Navigation Company’s vessels, the Hæan, Tooan, and Hæting, on the 6th instant. This force is to be increased to 2,225 men. Three Chinese men-of-war have also been ordered to Chemulpo.
The viceroy, Li Hung-chang, only sent these troops after long hesitation, the Chinese resident at Soul having first requested his interference about a month ago. He insisted on an express request for assistance from the King of Korea, so that the responsibility for the movement should rest upon him. The viceroy has formally assured the Japanese Government that these troops shall be withdrawn immediately upon the cessation of hostilities, and he has made the same assurances to the-Russian minister here. He has also stated to Japan that he would be pleased to have that Government send one or two gunboats to Korea to protect its subjects there.
It is understood that the Chinese force will be primarilly used to prevent the approach of the rebels to the capital.
I have, etc.,