THE PROPOSAL TO SURRENDER
“I, TING, commander-in-chief of the Pei-yang squadron, acknowledge having previously received a letter from Vice-Admiral Ito, commander of the port of Sasebo. This letter I have not answered until to-day, owing to the hostilities going on between our fleets. It had been my intention to continue fighting until every one of my men-of-war was sunk and the last sailor killed; but I have reconsidered the matter and now request a truce, hoping thereby to save many lives. I earnestly beseech you to refrain from doing further hurt to the Chinese and Westerners serving in the army and navy of China, as well as to the townspeople of Wei-hai-wei; in return for which I offer to surrender to the empire of Japan all my men-of-war, the forts on Liu-kung-tau and all material of war in and about Wei-hai-wei. If Vice-Admiral Ito will accede to these terms, I desire to have the commander-in-chief of the British warships in the offing as a guarantor of the contract. Requesting an answer to this by to-morrow, I have the honour to remain, etc.
Signed: Admiral Ting.
18th day, 1st month, 21st year of Kwangshu (12th Feb. 1895).”
“I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your esteemed favour, and to accept the proposal therein contained. Accordingly I shall take over all the men-of-war, the forts and all warlike material from your hands. As to the time when the surrender is to take place, I will consult you again on receiving your reply to this. My idea is, after taking over everything, to escort you and the others referred to in your letter on board one of our warships to some safe place where your convenience may be suited. If I may be permitted to speak quite frankly, I advise you for your own and your country’s sake to remain in Japan until the war is over. Should you decide to come to my country you may rest assured that you will be treated with distinguished consideration. But if you desire to return to your native land I shall of course put no obstacle in your path. As for any British guarantee, I think it quite unnecessary, and trust in your honour as an officer and a gallant man. Requesting your reply to this by 10 a.m. to-morrow, I have the honour to remain, etc.
Signed: Admiral Ito.
12th February, 1895.”