The Tycoon’s reply to Sir Harry Parkes’s address, May 2, 1867

The Tycoon’s reply to Sir Harry Parkes’s address

In holding, in accordance with the laws of my country, the supreme authority as handed down to me from my ancestors, I consider it to be my most important duty to maintain friendly relations between Japan and the countries with which treaties were concluded by my predecessor, and it is with this object in view that I have invited the representatives of foreign powers to visit me at Osacca.

It gives me the greatest pleasure to learn from the lips of the envoy of Great Britain that he is determined to use his best efforts to advance the friendly relations between the two countries; and this is because I believe the cultivation of friendly intercourse and amicable relations between Japan and all the treaty powers, and especially Great Britain, to be the most important means of promoting the interests of Japan.

The ceremonies of this day afford me a fitting opportunity, of which I avail myself with the highest pleasure, to declare my intention, of which you have already been assured by my government, of carrying out the treaty concluded with Great Britain in all its details, and I request you, in reporting this my intention to your government, to communicate to them at the same time my most heartfelt wishes for the glory and happiness of your Queen.

I feel assured that you will recognize in the feelings of regard which I entertain for your self, not only as the representative of Great Britain but also in your personal capacity, a proof of my sincere friendship and profound respect.