British and French ministers to the minister for foreign affairs, January 27, 1875

British and French ministers to the minister for foreign affairs.

[From the “Japan Herald,” February 16, 1875.]

Monsieur le Ministry: In conjunction with my colleague, the minister of France, I have the honor of informing your excellency that our governments consider that the time has now arrived when the small British and French force stationed at Yokohama should he withdrawn.

In making this communication we feel that we need not recur to the circumstances under which our governments found it necessary to send a force to Japan for the protection of their treaty-rights, and to continue such protection pending the re-establishment of order, and the constitution of a stable administration. The government of His Majesty the Tenno will doubtless remember that throughout a period of trouble and difficulty, inseparable from a revolution so remarkable as that which has occurred in Japan, the presence of this force has prevented the serious embarrassments which must have ensued if foreign life or property had been attacked before the restored government had succeeded in tranquillizing the country and in consolidating their authority. They will have seen that in proportion to the progress made in the attainment of these objects the allied force was gradually reduced, and they will now appreciate, we trust, the promptness with which the resolution of our governments to remove the remainder of that force has been taken on the termination of those difficulties which threatened, until toward the close of last year, to disturb the peace of Japan.

It affords our governments sincere satisfaction to be able to give His Majesty the Tenno this spontaneous proof of their good will, and also of the confidence they repose in the power and the desire of His Majesty’s government to insure due security to foreigners resident in Japan.

On our own part we have pleasure in observing that the task in which our troops have been engaged in this country has been performed in a manner which reflects honor upon themselves and upon Japan. We feel that the cordial relations which have been maintained between them and the Japanese officers and people throughout their stay, and the friendly services which they have mutually rendered each other, have materially contributed to the growth of good feeling between our respective nations.

I take this opportunity to renew to your excellency the assurance of my highest consideration.

His Excellency Terashima Munenori, &c., &c., &c.