Послание от Коидзуми. Можно даже и не говорить о том, что после 150 лет много воды утекло и изменились реалии и договоренности... А воз и ныне там...
Процитирую письмо, полученное по рассылке только что ——- Original Message ——-
From: "Koizumi Cabinet" <
[email protected]>
To: <
[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2005 8:25 AM
Subject: [Koizumi Cabinet E-Mail Magazine No. 175] Northern Territories Day (February 10, 2005)
"[Lion Heart — Message from Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi]
(Provisional Translation)
Northern Territories Day
Junichiro Koizumi here.
A century and a half ago on February 7, 1855, Japan and Russia
signed the Treaty of Commerce, Navigation and Delimitation (also
known as the Shimoda Treaty).
In December 1854, immediately before the signing of this treaty,
Japan was struck by the Ansei Tokai and Nankai Earthquakes. While
Hamaguchi Goryo had managed to save the people of his village in
Wakayama from the tsunami that followed the earthquake by setting
his rice field on fire, a story which I related in a previous issue,
the destructive force of the tsunami was widespread, reaching
the Izu Peninsula, where it also inflicted great damage, claiming
the lives of 100 people.
During this time of disaster, a Russian man rescued those who had
been caught and washed away in the tsunami and treated the injured
in Shimoda. That person was Admiral Efimii Vasil'evich Putyatin who
had traveled to Japan as the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Representative of Russia on a mission to negotiate a treaty of
trade and commerce with Japan. The negotiations to conclude the
treaty took place with Kawaji Toshiakira from the Japanese
Shogunate.
The great tsunami did not spare Admiral Putyatin's flagship the
Diana, which was anchored in Shimoda Bay at the time of the
disaster and was gravely damaged. Following the tsunami, the Diana
headed for the port of Heda in the west of Izu for repair, but sank
in rough seas on the way. The crew members were rescued by the
local people and Admiral Putyatin safely returned to Russia on
a new ship built by the Japanese Shogunate. The Russian government
was greatly appreciative of this gesture by the Japanese Shogunate.
Negotiations between the two countries went ahead despite the
damage the earthquakes and tsunami had inflicted on Japan. These
efforts led to the signing of the Treaty of Commerce, Navigation
and Delimitation between Japan and Russia, opening the way for
trade between the two countries. The treaty delineated the border
between Japan and Russia as lying between Etorofu Island and Urup
Island, stipulating the Four Northern Islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri,
Shikotan and Habomai Islands as Japanese territory.
In Japan, February 7 is designated as "Northern Territories Day"
and various events are conducted across the country each year.
I had planned to attend the National Rally to Demand the Return of
the Northern Territories held in Kudan Kaikan on February 7, but
could not as I was laid low with a cold.
I had been feeling a little under the weather since last week.
If I left any of you concerned, let me reassure you that I have
recovered and feel well again to tackle the mounting issues,
both domestic and overseas, with verve and vigor".
