Changes

The '''Eulsa Treaty''' or '''Japan-Korea Protectorate Treaty''' ((Japanese: 第二次日韓協約 ''Dai-niji Nitcho Kyōyaku''; Korean: 을사조약 ''Eulsa joyak''), also referred to as the "Second Japan-Korea Agreement" was signed between the [[Empire]]s of [[Japan]] and [[Korea]] on 17 November, 1905. The name "Eulsa Treaty" treaty is derived from the Korean word "eulsa', which refers to the 42^nd year of the [[Chinese zodiac|sexagenary cycle]].

The '''Eulsa Treaty''' or '''Japan-Korea Protectorate Treaty''' (Japanese: 第二次日韓協約 ''Dai-niji Nitcho Kyōyaku''; Korean: 을사조약 ''Eulsa joyak''), also referred to as the "Second Japan-Korea Agreement" was signed between the [[Empire]]s of [[Japan]] and [[Korea]] on 17 November 1905. The name "Eulsa Treaty" treaty is derived from the Korean word "eulsa', which refers to the 42nd year of the [[Chinese zodiac|sexagenary cycle]].

Following the end of the [[Russo-Japanese War]] and the signing of the [[Treaty of Portsmouth]], in which Japan’s supremacy on the Korean peninsula was acknowledged by Russia, the Japanese statesman, [[Ito Hirobumi|Itō Hirobumi]], presented Emperor Gojong with a draft of the Protectorate Treaty on 15 November, 1905. He declared the contents to be final and non-revisable and insisted that the Emperor and his ministers accept its terms.  

Following the end of the [[Russo-Japanese War]] and the signing of the [[Treaty of Portsmouth]], in which Japan’s supremacy on the Korean peninsula was acknowledged by Russia, the Japanese statesman, [[Ito Hirobumi|Itō Hirobumi]], presented Emperor Gojong with a draft of the Protectorate Treaty on 15 November 1905. He declared the contents to be final and non-revisable and insisted that the Emperor and his ministers accept its terms.  

Faced with the disadvantage of having the Imperial palace occupied by Japanese Imperial Army troops, who were also deployed at strategic locations throughout the country, the Koreans were left with little alternative but to sign.

Faced with the disadvantage of having the Imperial palace occupied by Japanese Imperial Army troops, who were also deployed at strategic locations throughout the country, the Koreans were left with little alternative but to sign.

The treaty was signed on 17 November, 1905, by the Korean minister of foreign affairs, Bak Je-sun, and the Japanese minister, Hayasi Konsuke. The Emperor Gojong and the Prime Minister, Han Gyu-seol refused to sign the treaty. This treaty transferred full authority over Korea’s diplomatic relations, as well as control over all trade through Korean ports, to Japan. This would be managed by a Japan-appointed Resident-General - the first being Ito Hirobumi, who was appointed in March, 1906. By signing the treaty, Korea was deprived of its diplomatic sovereignty and became a protectorate of Japan. <ref>[http://english.historyfoundation.or.kr/?sub_num=35#arti3 Russo-Japanese War and Japanese Extortion of Korea’s Sovereignty]</ref>

The treaty was signed on 17 November 1905, by the Korean minister of foreign affairs, Bak Je-sun, and the Japanese minister, Hayasi Konsuke. The Emperor Gojong and the Prime Minister, Han Gyu-seol refused to sign the treaty. This treaty transferred full authority over Korea’s diplomatic relations, as well as control over all trade through Korean ports, to Japan. This would be managed by a Japan-appointed Resident-General - the first being Ito Hirobumi, who was appointed in March, 1906. By signing the treaty, Korea was deprived of its diplomatic sovereignty and became a protectorate of Japan.<ref>[http://english.historyfoundation.or.kr/?sub_num=35#arti3 Russo-Japanese War and Japanese Extortion of Korea’s Sovereignty]</ref>

This treaty was later stated as being "already null and void" in Article II of the [[Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea]], which was signed on 22 June, 1965. However,many have argued that as the Koreans signed the treaty if not under duress, then certainly under the threat of military action, the treaty was illegal in terms of international law. In addition, as it was not signed by the Korean Emperor, nor the Prime Minister, it could not have been binding on the country. However, the major powers of the time did nothing to help Korea and turned a deaf ear to her pleas. <ref>Sakamoto Shigeki; "The Issue of Treaties between Japan and Korea - from the standpoint of international law"; page 373</ref>

This treaty was later stated as being "already null and void" in Article II of the [[Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea]], which was signed on 22 June 1965. However,many have argued that as the Koreans signed the treaty if not under duress, then certainly under the threat of military action, the treaty was illegal in terms of international law. In addition, as it was not signed by the Korean Emperor, nor the Prime Minister, it could not have been binding on the country. However, the major powers of the time did nothing to help Korea and turned a deaf ear to her pleas.<ref>Sakamoto Shigeki; "The Issue of Treaties between Japan and Korea - from the standpoint of international law"; page 373</ref>

==Full text of the Agreement==

==Full text of the Agreement==

{{cquote|'''Korean-Japanese Agreement'''

{{cquote|'''Korean-Japanese Agreement'''

17 November, 1905

17 November 1905

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.

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.

The 17th day of the 11th month of the 9th year of Kwangmu<ref>http://kalaniosullivan.com/Korea/KunsanCity/JapTreaty.html</ref>}}

The 17th day of the 11th month of the 9th year of Kwangmu<ref>http://kalaniosullivan.com/Korea/KunsanCity/JapTreaty.html</ref>}}

==Also see==

==See also==

*[[Protectorate Treaty of 1904‎]]

*[[Protectorate Treaty of 1904‎]]

*[[Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty of 1907]]

*[[Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty of 1907]]

*Sakamoto Shigeki; "Effect of the Korea-Japan Treaty - the first anthology"; Kansai University Law No. 44 Volume 4; 1995.

*Sakamoto Shigeki; "Effect of the Korea-Japan Treaty - the first anthology"; Kansai University Law No. 44 Volume 4; 1995.

[[category:Japanese Treaties]][[category:Korea]]

[[Category:Japanese Treaties]][[Category:Korea]]