M.C. Perry and Japan (XIX)

In some written documents, Perry was told by the Japanese that the American could begin trade in Nagasaki next year. And it would take Japan five years to open other port. The next day, March 17th Perry met with the Japanese officials in the treaty house. During the discussion, Perry insisted that one or more ports must be substituted for Nagasaki because it was inconvenient for the American to go there. Perry also objected to Japan's suggestion that even in the opened port, the American could not be allowed to walk about freely. Perry informed the Japanese commissioners that he wanted to have five ports opened to the American, at the present moment, he would be glad to have three: one on the island of Honshu, either Uraga or Kagoshima, one in Hokkaido, probably Matsumai, the third one was Napha in Lew Chew. After some negotiation Shimoda was proposed as a possibility, replacing Nagasaki and Uraga. At this stage, the commissioners said that they needed one year to decide on the opening of a port because they had to consult the prince from that location. In response Perry suggested that he would go there to negotiate direct. Finally, before ending the discussion, the commissioners agreed to give Perry an answer on March 23th. It was also agreed that Perry could send his men to check whether Shimoda was acceptable to the American. Accordingly, Perry on 20th March, sent two vessels to inspect the harbor in Shimoda. On 23th March the Japanese in writing informed the American that the port of Hakodate, which was near Matsumai was to be opened to the American. This decision was welcome by Perry.1 (to be continued)

Note:
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 185.