Dokdo, the First Victim of Japan’s Aggression Against the Korean Peninsula
The Eulsa Restriction Treaty
(November 17, 1905)
The Eulsa Restriction Treaty
(Kyujanggak Collection)
The Eulsa Restriction Treaty (November 17, 1905)
[Translation]
The Government of Japan and Korea, desiring to strengthen the principle of solidarity which unites the two Empires, have with that object in view agreed upon and concluded the following stipulations to serve until the moment arrives when it is recognized that Korea has attained national strength.
Article 1. The Government of Japan, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Tokyo, will hereafter have control and direction of the external relations and affairs of Korea, and the diplomatic and consular representatives of Japan will have the charge of the subjects and interests of Korea in foreign countries.
Article 2. The Government of Japan shall undertake to see to the execution of the treaties actually existing between Korea and the other Powers, and the Government of Korea shall not engage to conclude hereafter any act or engagement having an international character, except through the mediation of the Government of Japan.
Article 3. The Government of Japan shall be represented at the Court of His Majesty the Emperor of Korea by a Resident-General, who shall reside at Seoul, primarily for the purpose of taking charge of and directing matters relating to diplomatic affairs. He shall have the right of private and personal audience of His Majesty the Emperor of Korea. The Japanese Government shall also have the right to station Residents at the several open ports and such other places in Korea as they may deem necessary. Such Residents shall, under the direction of the Resident-General, exercise the powers and functions hitherto appertaining to Japanese Consuls in Korea and shall perform such duties as may be necessary in order to carry into full effect the provisions of this agreement.
Article 4. The stipulations of all treaties and agreements existing between Japan and Korea not inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement shall continue in force.
Article 5. The Government of Japan shall undertake to maintain the welfare and dignity of the Imperial House of Korea.
In faith whereof, the Undersigned duly authorized by their Government have signed this Treaty and affixed their seals.
November 17, 9th year of Gwangmu (1905)
Park Je-sun, Minister of Foreign Affairs (seal)
November 17, 38th year of Meiji (1904)
Hayashi Gonsuke, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary (seal)