M.C. Perry and Japan (XXI)

One thing in connection with the Japanese culture was observed by the American. When the feast was over, the Japanese from the left bosom of their loose robes took out some paper to warp up what was left after the dinner.1 The next day, Perry landed to take part in a meeting to work out a draft treaty. By then he knew that Shimoda was suitable for the the American ships and thus accepted it as one of the ports for opening. Perry continued to press for the opening of two more ports. Meanwhile a new point was raised: the extent of privileges to be allowed to the American who might visit Shimoda. The final agreement was that Americans could enjoy free excursion up to seven li into the country side around the port. The next question was about the stationing of an American consular in Japan. It was finally agreed that an agent was allowed to live at Shimoda, and he could come to Japan 18 months after the treaty was signed.2 Within the next few days a draft treaty was worked out and written in Chinese, Dutch and Japanese languages respectively. One March 31, 1854, Perry visited the treaty house and the draft treaty was exchanged, in total it had 12 Articles.3 Article II stipulated that the port of Shimoda and Hokodate would be open to American ships for wood, water and provisions. Article V stipulated that citizens of the US who would temporarily reside in Shimoda and Hokodate could have freedom of movement within the limits of seven Japanese miles (or li) from the harbor. Article IX stipulated that in future, if the government of Japan should grant to any other nations privileges that had not been granted to the US, that same privilege should likewise be granted to the US automatically. Article XI stipulated that the US consuls or agents would, at the earliest, be allowed to live in Shimoda 18 months after the signing of this treaty.4 This treaty laid the foundation of diplomatic relationship between the two nations.

Notes:
1. Perry, Matthew Calbraith ed. by Sidney Wallach. Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan. NY: Coward-McCann, 1952, page 200.
2. Ibid., page 202.
3. Ibid., page 205.
4. Ibid., page 206.