Some Answers to Questions Regarding Neêrlands Streven (1867) …opac.tenri-u.ac.jp/opac/repository/metadata/4456/GKH... · A. Background of Neêrlands Streven 1. Concerning the author

Preface

This article examines a mid−nineteenth century work by Jacobus Anne van der Chijs

titled Neêrlands Streven tot Openstelling van Japan voor den Wereldhandel (Dutch

Efforts to Open Up Japan for International Trade), the manuscript of which was

completed at Batavia in 1862 and published in Amsterdam in 1867. This book contains

large numbers of Dutch primary sources and has been discussed by many researchers

both in the Netherlands and in Japan. This is the only record of Dutch diplomacy with

Japan published in the Netherlands at that time. It seems, however, that this work,

despite its later fame in the Netherlands, was not circulated on a large scale. Against

this background this article aims at discussing the author and his book, and solving

several puzzling questions that arise when examining this book. It concludes that these

peculiarities can be explained by focusing on Dutch foreign policy at the end of the

Tokugawa era. It is also noted that the Netherlands was much more than ‘a small power’

which could not influence the international relations among western powers at that time.

Some Answers to Questions Regarding Neêrlands

Streven (1867) : A study of Dutch diplomacy towards

Japan at the end of the Tokugawa Era

〔要旨〕本稿は、幕末期のオランダ対日外交政策を扱う当時オランダ語で出版された唯一の史料集ファン・デル・シェイス著『オランダ日本開国論』に焦点を定め、同書出版に生じた不可思議な出来事を、著者の経歴、出版を請け負ったオランダ王立言語学地理学民族学研究所（KITLV）の雑誌、同研究所所有のシェイス手書清書、そこに挟まっていて偶然発見された著者書簡、東京大学史料編纂所所有の同書手書草稿マイクロフィルム中に発見され、出版の際削除された目次等の一次史料を渉猟しつつ、その真相に迫ることで、この事件を幕末期のオランダ対日外交政策の一環と位置付ける。

〔Keywords〕 Jacobus Anne van der Chijs, Dutch East Indies, Neêrlands Streventot Openstelling van Japan voor den Wereldhandel, Dutch diplomacy towards

Japan at the end of the Tokugawa Era, International relations in Asia in the late

nineteenth century

KOGURE Minori

43

Page 47 語学・文学・人文・社会・自然編カンマ使用／本文（横）※リュウミンＬ・カンマＯＴＦ／小暮実徳　　　　　　　ｐ０４３‐０５６横 2017.10.24 13.29.43

A. Background of Neêrlands Streven

1. Concerning the author

Van der Chijs was born in Leiden in the Netherlands on 1 June 1831. He studied and

received the degree of Doctor of Laws at the university there.（1） He took the

examination for colonial civil servants in Delft and departed for the Dutch East Indies in

1857 as first secretary in the general secretariat (Algemene Secretarie). Later he was

assigned to the chief of this bureau. Van der Chijs was in charge of the Newspaper of

Java (Javasche Courant) in 1859, and was appointed Inspector for internal education

(Inspecteur voor het inlandsch onderwijs).（2）In 1867 he published Neêrlands Streven and

was awarded significant Dutch orders (Ridder der Orde van de Eikenkroon).

He went back to the Netherlands in 1877 for a two-year leave of absence, and then

returned to the Dutch East Indies. From 1880 on, for health reasons, he worked at

classifying and listing archives there and supported the chief of the department of

statistic archives for the purpose of researching valuable documents for publication.（3）

He had a strong motivation for that job and gained a long−term reputation by publishing

the Diary of Castle Batavia (Dagh-Resgister, gehouden int Casteel Batavia, vant

passerende daer ter plaetse als over geheel Nederlandts-India) and the Statute book of the

Dutch East Indies (Nederl. Ind. Plakaatboek).（4）

Van der Chijs was appointed director of National Archive in Batavia (Landsarchivaris)

on 28 January 1892. His diligence and extensive knowledge made him just the man for

this position, while being able to receive strong support from his colleagues. The

Association of Art and Science in Batavia (Bataviaasche Genootschap van Kunst en

Wetenschappen) accepted him as a member early in his career and later appointed him a

member of honor. The library of the archives and the department of ethnology were

promoted by his work. As a result, his lists went through a fourth edition.（5）Although

Van der Chijs devoted himself to his job, he was replaced by Lindor Serrurier (1846―1901) in 1899. The reason for this seems to be that Van der Chijs adopted a different

system of classification from Serrurier’s and the latter did not accept it. It is, however,

clear that his efforts for improvement and classification in the library and the archives

greatly contributed to the use and maintenance of the facility. He edited twelve volumes

(1640―41, 53, 59, 61, 63, 64, 65, 66―67, 68―69, 70―71, 72, 73) in Castel of Batavia, whilethe rest of this series was edited by Herman Theodoor Colenbrander (1871−1945) and J.

de Hullu (1864―1940).Van der Chijs’s wide-ranging knowledge of numismatics was appreciated by

numismatists.（6）He was a curator at the Medal Cabinet (het Penningkabinet) and an

Officier d’Académie. He could not, however, work in his last years, because he became

nearly blind.

Regarding his private life, he married Marie Pauline van Kooten and they had children.

One of them was Helena Catherina who married Hendrik Frederik Fock (1854―1927).Van der Chijs passed away in Batavia on the 22 January 1905.（7）

44 天理大学学報第69巻第1号


2. How Neêrlands Streven was written and why it is significant

The Royal Institute for Language, Geography and Ethnology (Het Koninklijk Instituut

voor Taal- Land- en Volkenkunde, KITLV) supported the publication of Neêrlands Streven

with the consent of the government and dedicated it to the Dutch King. As a reward for

this publication, Van der Chijs was decorated as a Knight of the Order of the Oaken

Crown (Ridder der Orde van de Eikenkroon).

The preface of the book explains that Neêrlands Streven was written in the name of the

Dutch government to defend the Netherlands against a contemporary slander which said

that the goal of the Dutch government was to monopolize the Japanese market by

keeping it in isolation.（8） Clearly Van der Chijs intended to collect mainly Dutch

governmental documents that showed the Netherlands’ contribution toward the opening

of Japan. However, some words, even in these documents, were changed in order to hide

the real intentions of the Dutch government. Consequently this work produces only

documents giving evidence of the Dutch policy towards the opening of Japan and little to

the contrary position. In fact, the Netherlands had already lost most of its influence in

Japan by the time of the book’s publication. Van der Chijs’s work turned out to be a last

desperate attempt to make a Dutch statement on this matter. It has, however, lasting

significance as a historical record, including secret documents, which, although edited for

content by a Dutch historian, demonstrate Dutch contributions towards the opening of

Japan.

3. Documents and literature used in Neêrlands Streven

Because Van der Chijs wrote this book in Batavia, the sources he used were limited to

documents and literature that were available there. Concerning primary sources, this

book contains letters of the Dutch commercial chief in Dejima to the governor−general in

Batavia, a secret diary of this chief, notes of the commercial chief in Dejima (Jan

Hendrik Donker Curtius, 1813―1879), letters of the Dutch commissioner, letters of theDutch East Indies’ government and of the governor-general, and letters of the governor-

general to the minister of Colonial Affairs in the Netherlands, among other documents.

Concerning documents to or from the Netherlands, it contains a report by the minister of

Colonial Affairs to the King, letters of the ministry to the governor-general, letters of the

minister to the minister of Foreign Affairs, and correspondence of Dutch foreign agents in

Japan. It is especially noteworthy that Appendix II（9） deals with the Dutch maritime

lessons in Nagasaki based on reports of teachers and the commandants (Gerhardus

Fabius [1806―1888], Gerhard Christiaan Coenraad Gerrit Pels Rijcken [1810―1889],Willem Johan Cornelis Ridder Huyssen van Kattendyke [1816―1866]). Concerningliterature, it contains a work about Japan written by Engelbert Kaempfer, Herinneringen

uit Japan written by Hendrik Doeff (1764―1837, a commercial chief in Dejima), Journalsof the Dutch Indies association (Handelingen en Gescriften van het Indisch Genootschap,

te ’s Gravenhage), the Dutch gazette (Nederlandsche Staatscourant), and Java Newspaper.

Some Answers to Questions Regarding Neêrlands Streven (1867) 45


B. Inquiry into the mystery of Neêrlands Streven

1. Many questions derived from this book

When examining this book, various peculiarities emerge. First, it has no table of

contents. Second, it has no index. Third, the chapters have no titles. At the beginning of

each chapter, for instance, it simply is written, “Chapter 1”, “Chapter 2”, etc. Therefore, it

is difficult to quickly scan for topics.

As mentioned, the purpose of this work was to refute a false rumor against the

Netherlands and to appeal to the opening of Japan for world trade. For this reason, Van

der Chijs almost exclusively used Dutch primary sources to prove these matters. Ideally,

Van der Chijs should have published it worldwide and in the French language. KITLV,

who undertook the publication, however, decided to publish it only in Dutch. Also,

although it was agreed to publish Neêrlands Streven at a meeting of this institute on 8

November of 1862, it was postponed for various reasons for many years.

The path to publication can be pieced together from Bijdragen tot de Taal- Land- en

Volkenkunde van Nederlandsch Indië (Journal of the Royal Institute for Language,

Geography, and Ethnology in the Dutch Indies), the journal of KITLV. I have highlighted

some of the main points by extracting and translating relevant information regarding its

publication. The year and volume number of the journal, or the date in which a KITLV

board meeting was held, is listed prior to each extracted material.

― No.8 in 1862The name of Van der Chijs appears on the members list.

― No.10 in 1863Account of Board Meeting of 21 March 1863

… 1. Chairman [Jhr. J.P. Cornets de Groot van Kraaijenburg, 1808―1878]announced that this institute received a letter from the minister of Colonial Affairs

[Gerhard Hendrik Uhlenbeck, 1815―1888] as a reply to the proposal of this boardthat Mr. Van der Chijs would permit some revisions to his book Neêrlands Streven.

In relation to this announcement, the chairman reported the situation about the

negotiation of this publication.

The 74th Board Meeting, 17 April 1863

Mr. [Salomon] Keyzer (1823−1868) reported some subsequent conditions concerning

the publication of Mr. Van der Chijs that Mr. Muller [Frederik Muller 1817―1881,publisher] will undertake. These conditions are accepted except the copyright that

KITLV would maintain.

― No.11 in 1864



Report about circumstances and activities of KITLV during 1862 and 1863

… Mr. Van der Chijs, who is widely known due to his activity and research

concerning histories of the Dutch East Indies, asked the board of KITLV to publish

his new work. This work entitled Neêrlands Streven tot Openstelling van Japan voor

den Wereldhandel is written as a result of his duty post in the department of general

secretariat in Batavia where he was assigned to edit historical notes concerning

political issues, the most important of which concern Japanese affairs and center

around all Japanese-Dutch affairs. Thanks to a favorable disposition from the

minister of Colonial Affairs, the board of KITLV acquired the manuscript of this

work and approved its publication. This board willingly undertook the publication

that should be circulated, because professionals judged that this work is important

and outstanding. All preparation for the publication is finished at present. On this

basis it is reported that the work is being printed.

The 76th Board Meeting, 1 August 1864

… Mr. Keyzer reported that Mr. Van der Chijs let him know that he received

approval from the Dutch King to write a dedication to him in the book concerning

Japan that is being printed.

― No.12 in 1865Report about circumstances and activities of KITLV during 1863 and 1864 (from

the meeting of 14th May 1864)

… Printing of Mr. Van der Chijs’s work that was at press in the last report,

Neêrlands Streven tot Openstelling van Japan voor den Wereldhandel, is almost

finished. The release date, however, shall be delayed for a few months. The reason is

that the author explicitly demanded holding back release of the book after receiving

the final proof in Batavia and sending back the list of errata.

The 91st Board Meeting, 8 July 1865

… The secretary-general reported receiving letters as follows :The letter of publisher, Mr. Frederik Muller, dated the 6th of July of this year,

inquires about Mr. Van der Chijs’s work concerning Japan that has already been at

press for half a year and of which KITLV postponed release in consideration of the

special right of the author.

Since the Board believes that Mr. Keyzer has taken charge of its publication, it

entrusted the secretary-general with the task of sending the summary of the letter

concerned and of asking this member [Keyzer] for further explanation.

― No.13 in 1866The 93rd Board Meeting, 21 August 1865

… The secretary-general reported as follows : Since Dr. Keyzer has taken charge of



Mr. Van der Chijs’s work concerning Japan and has not given information about this

matter yet, the publisher in Amsterdam, Mr. Muller, asked the author himself to

report about the final proof that Muller sent him a very long time ago.

The 99th Board Meeting, 21 July 1866

… XII. The letter of Mr. Frederik Muller in Amsterdam suggests that the

publication shall be postponed until the fall of this year, because it seems that the

publication at this most unfavorable time will not arouse the interest the work

deserves, although the printing of Mr. Van der Chijs’s work, Neêrlands Streven tot

Openstelling van Japan voor den Wereldhandel, has already been finished.

Since the board can not refute the remarks of Mr. Muller, it decided to follow this

suggestion. On the other hand, the board decided to inform Mr. Van der Chijs of this

matter and to ask a member of the committee in Batavia to pay Mr. Van der Chijs

the compensation that was already agreed upon.

The 100th Board Meeting, 15 September 1866

… Concerning the letter of Mr. Frederik Muller about the publication of Mr. Van

der Chijs’s work, Neêrlands Streven tot Openstelling van Japan voor den

Wereldhandel, Mr. Millard [J. Millard] said that a preface written by Mr. Keyzer as

the secretariat-general of KITLV dated June of 1864 was added to this work. The

board thinks that it is difficult for KITLV to publish this work with a preface which

had been written two years ago. Moreover, subsequent noteworthy incidents in

Dutch relations with Japan took place. In consideration of these circumstances, it

asked Mr. Millard to add a new preface dealing with the description of recent

incidents related to this work.

― No.14 in 1867Report about circumstances and activities of KITLV during 1866 (from the regular

meeting of 29 March 1867)

… In the first place, we report Mr. Van der Chijs’s worthy work, Neêrlands Streven

tot Openstelling van Japan voor den Wereldhandel.

We think that it is not in vain to prove the importance of this work for the

Netherlands and other foreign countries. On behalf of the board, the preface not only

points out the contents of this work and the importance of its aim, but also explains

various reasons why this publication had to be postponed for a very long time.

On the one hand, we may, gentlemen, regret this delay. On the other hand, however,

there may never be a more suitable time to draw general attention to our political

relations with Japan. Concerning this matter, we can find support for it in the

detailed description of this large country’s [Japan’s] customs and thinking, Five years

in Japan (1857―1863) - Contribution to the knowledge of the Empire of Japan and itspeople, written by Mr. Pompe van Meerdervoort, published in Dutch at almost the



same time. Both of these works are constructed as a whole from the political,

economic, and cultural situation. It is not doubtful that both works will rightly win

high esteem.

The board can not restrain itself from openly expressing the warm gratitude of

KITLV to the honorable author whose work is published by this institute and the

then minister of Colonial Affairs who granted his benevolent approval and support.

2. Discovery of the table of contents in handwritten drafts

First, for the purpose of addressing the unclear parts of Van der Chijs’s work, a copy of

the draft version was examined in the Historiographical Institute at the University of

Tokyo.（10） A table of contents was found among the parts of this draft version.

Unfortunately the manuscript was not well preserved and some papers lacked on both

ends. For this reason, a later draft of the book (Western manuscripts/ Japan / Dutch /

international trade D.H.105), which KITLV in the Netherlands held, was examined. It

also has a table of contents and is well preserved. This version was sent to KITLV by

Van der Chijs in 1862 and consists of two volumes. One of which has 1030 pages and the

other has 963 pages (the published edition is one volume). Because the table of contents

seems important to solve questions about the publication of this book, I have translated

the table of contents, which was originally written in Dutch, in its entirety as follows :

3. The table of contents in English

Historical Document about the Dutch endeavors to open Japan for international trade

with the treaty concluded by both countries on 4 October 1858 in Edo - Containing five

Appendices.

Contents

Preface

Prehistory of the political relationship between the Netherlands and Japan

―The reason for maintaining it

Chapter I

The Japanese trade licenses granted by the Shogunate of 1609 and 1617.―Dutchactions of promoting the Russian expedition in Japan in 1803.―The Japaneseproclamations of 1825 and 1842 [about its maritime bans].―The letter of thegovernor-general of the Dutch East Indies, Mr. P. Merkus, to the governor of

Nagasaki.―Objection to withdrawing Deshima.―Plan to dispatch a Dutch delegationto Japan.―Measures to send the Dutch King’s letter to the Emperor of Japan.―Instruction for the Commander of H.M. Frigate the Palembang.―Provision for warin Japan to the Dutch commercial chief.



Chapter II

Negotiation [with the governor of Nagasaki] to admit the Palembang [into Japan].―Announcement to the Japanese government that the Dutch King’s letter arrive in

Nagasaki.―Continuing the negotiations to admit the Palembang.―Landing theDutch King’s letter and the gifts [in Nagasaki].―Presentation of the Dutch King’sletter and the gifts to the governor of Nagasaki.−Text of the letter of H.M. King

Willem II.―Additional secret instruction for the Dutch commercial chief.―Japaneseprovisional answer for the Dutch King’s letter.−Dutch commercial agent’s effort to let

the Japanese government receive the gifts.―Japanese definitive answer for theDutch King’s letter.―Consideration of the minister of Colonial Affairs, J.C. Baud, forthe Japanese definitive answer.

Chapter III

Reconfirmed orders to the Dutch commercial chief [in Japan] for refraining from

pursuing any commercial privileges.―Introduction of Cowpox Vaccinia to Japan.―Japanese proclamation about its castaways [outside Japanese seas].―Thenotification to England, France and the United States.―Japanese explanation aboutthe proclamation of 1842 [about its maritime bans].―The Netherlands announced toJapan again that it regarded the excluded system [against foreign countries]

dangerous.

Chapter IV

Plans of the United States towards Japan.―The Netherlands offered the UnitedStates its mediation.―Draft of the Dutch treaty with Japan.―Appointment of a newDutch commercial chief for negotiation, Mr. J.H. Donker Curtius.―Notice to thegovernor of Nagasaki that a letter from the governor-general of the Dutch East

Indies should arrive in Nagasaki.―Letter of the governor-general, Mr. A.S. Duijmaervan Twist (Albertus Jacobus Duymaer van Twist, 1809―1887) to the governor ofNagasaki.―Notification of the draft of the [Dutch-Japanese] treaty to the governor ofNagasaki.

Chapter V

The United States asked the Dutch commercial chief [in Japan] the cooperation for

Japanese affairs.―[A Dutch] letter to the Commodore Perry (Matthew CalbraithPerry, 1794―1858).―Explanation of the Dutch commercial chief about the Americanexpedition.―[Dutch] assistance to the Russian Admiral Poutiatine (Yevfimy

Vasilyevich Putyatin, 1803−1883).―Japanese announcement about the letter of thegovernor-general of the Dutch East Indies, Duijmaer van Twist.―Japanese request[of the Dutch commercial chief in Japan] to deal with the Commodore Perry’s return.

―Conference of the Dutch commercial chief with an imperial committee of Japan.―[Dutch] second letter to the Commodore Perry.―Prescript of the minister of Colonial



Affairs, Ch.F. Pahud (Charles Ferdinand Pahud de Mortanges, 1803―1873) aboutJapanese matters.

Chapter VI

H.M. steamship, the Soembing, was decided to be bound for Japan.―Negotiation[with Japanese officials] for admitting [Dutch] ship into Nagasaki [in order to teach

Japanese about the Western civilization]―Education [to Japanese in Nagasaki]―Expanded freedom for the Dutch residents in Nagasaki.―[Dutch] Assistance to theBritish Admiral Seymour.―Present an electro-magnetic telegraph to the Japanesegovernment.―Japan proclaimed that the American treaty [with it] be [naturally]adapted to the Netherlands.―Contents of the American treaty with Japan.―Contents of the [Dutch] additional articles [with Japan].―Contents of the Britishtreaty with Japan.―Consideration of the governor-general of the Dutch East IndiesDuijmaer van Twist about our circumstances in Japan.―Consideration of theminister of Colonial Affairs [to Japanese affairs], C.F. Pahud in reply.

Chapter VII

Regulation of the minister of Colonial Affairs, C.F. Pahud [to the present Japanese

affairs].―H.M. steamships the Soembing and the Gedeh were decided to be sent toJapan.―Permission to be stationing the Dutch maritime detachment in Japan.―Instructions of the governor-general Duijmaer van Twist for the Dutch commercial

chief [in Japan].

Chapter VIII

Endeavor of the Dutch commercial chief to make the Dutch-Japanese treaty

available to France.―Dutch temporary notice to the governor of Nagasaki about itsrequest to enjoy more freedom in Japan.―Arrival of the Soembing and the Gedeh inNagasaki.―Present the Soembing as a gift to the Japanese government.―Draft [ofDutch-Japanese treaty] offered by the Dutch commissioner [in Japan].―Contents ofthe draft [of Dutch-Japanese] treaty.―Assistance to the British Admiral Stirling.―The portrait of H.M. King Willem III (Willem Alexander Paul Frederik Lodewijk,

1817―1890) for the Emperor of Japan was given to the governor of Nagasaki.―Splendid ceremony for the presentation of the Soembing [to Japan].―Negotiations [ofthe Dutch commissioner] about the Dutch treaty [with Japan].―Conclusion of aprovisional [Dutch] agreement [with Japan].―Its contents―Circular [about the itsagreement] of the Dutch commissioner―Considerations of the ministers of ColonialAffairs and Foreign Affairs [about the process of Japanese affairs].

Chapter IX

H.M. corvette, the Medusa, was to be bound for Japan.―Progress of the negotiationsabout the Dutch treaty [with Japan].―Conclusion of the treaty.―[Report of] the



Medusa in Hakodate and Simoda.―Negotiations about the Dutch Additional Articles.―Proposal of the Dutch commissioner for the Additional Articles.―Draft of theAdditional Articles.―Postponement of the conclusion of the Additional Articles.―Considerations of the Dutch navy Lieutenant Colonel Fabius [about the process of

Japanese affairs].

Chapter X

Considerations of the ministers of Colonial Affairs and Foreign Affairs [about the

process of Japanese affairs].―Proposal for adopting pressure measures to Japan.―Notice to the British government about the Dutch diplomacy towards Japan.―Further considerations and proposals of the ministers of Colonial Affairs and Foreign

Affairs [about the process of Japanese affairs].

Chapter XI

The Dutch commissioner’s proposal to the governor of Nagasaki about a transitional

measure [to conclude the Additional Articles].―Reopening of negotiations about theAdditional Articles.―The conclusion [of the Additional Articles].―Contents of theAdditional Articles and thereafter.―List of the concessions obtained.―Measurestaken from the Japanese side in view of the Additional Articles.―Considerations ofthe ministers of Colonial Affairs and Foreign Affairs [about the process of Japanese

affairs].

Chapter XII

Journey of the Dutch commissaries [in Japan] to Edo [so-called, Hofreis : Sanpu].―His audience with the emperor [of Japan].―Negotiations in Edo about a new [Dutch-Japanese] treaty [with the Japanese officials].―Contents of the treaty.―Exchangingratifications of the Additional Articles in Nagasaki.―Ratifications of the Edo treatyby the Dutch King.

Appendices

I. History of the abolition of [Dutch] Komps (governmental)- and Kambang (private)

trade [in Japan]

II. History of the Dutch maritime detachment in Japan

III. Refutation of some criticism on the Dutch diplomacy toward Japan in this book :

Narrative of the expedition of an American squadron to the China Seas and Japan,

performed in the years 1852, 1853 and 1854 under the command of Commodore M.C.

Perry etc.

IV. Japanese announcement about the Dutch Additional Article

V. Chronological Table



C. Further inquiry into the questions of Neêrlands Streven

1. Examination of the fair draft of Neêrlands Streven and the discovery of a Van

der Chijs’s letter to KITLV

When a fair draft of Neêrlands Streven in KITLV in the Netherlands was examined, a

letter by Van der Chijs to this institute was discovered in it. The letter indicated points

of revision in the fair draft. These revisions seem to solve the above−mentioned questions

about the book. Due to limitations of space, only the important parts are shown

below.（11）

2. Which places are modified or omitted through Van der Chijs’s letter

a. The sentences or words between [ ] are omitted :

‘[With maintaining our privileges in Nagasaki which were not admitted to other

powers.]’

‘[in order to prevent that they (Japanese) would look for other countries for the

purpose of the realization (of their wish).]’

‘[Our future in this country is at stake. If the Japanese government turns to

another country, we shall have lost the present opportunity to improve our

commercial and political relationship with Japan. It is never to occur again.]’

‘[That is, we have very essential interests in Japan at present. These should not be

sacrificed by an idealistic manifestation of unselfishness]’. From the prospect that the

United States would open Japan for trade, ‘[under the present circumstances, it

should be contrary to our interest to hasten even this moment when the United

States was to compete with us [in the Japan market]. We must zealously make use

of our possibility [to expand the relationship with Japan] and the time [when we

have at present before the commercial competition with the United States starts] for

this preparation. For the time being, however, we should take no action of making

others share in our commercial relationship with Japan.]’

‘As our final goal, we are still clinging to the policy to admit the participation of

other countries in the trade with Japan, as soon as they gain greater influence than

we have [or when our interests accord with theirs].’

‘[Mr. Donker Curtius meanwhile expected that Americans could charm the

Japanese to accept a warship as a present for the Shogun.]’

‘[to maintain this situation in which other countries can exercise their right, while

the Netherlands only appeal to their former privileges.]’

‘[I believe that the appointment (of a foreign agent in Japan) should be necessary

to maintain our acquired influence and even not to lose our all influence in Japan,

when other powers would settle their diplomatic agents in Edo]’

Deletions are allowed in the publication of official papers, in order to avoid some

unintentional misunderstanding, or even purposeful perversion against critics. These



deletions, however, make the Dutch intention clear that the maintaining or

promotion of its privilege or interests in Japan would be covered up.

b. The words between [ ] are added :

‘The Netherlands could manage the Japanese concession [without appeal to arms].’

‘[Therefore, as a diplomatic goal, it is necessary to make Mikado (Emperor of

Japan) grant his approval of these treaties. Otherwise we (the Dutch and other

Westerners) only concluded treaties with one of the political parties in Japan.]’

These additions are intended to demonstrate the Dutch contribution to the

peaceful opening of Japan to other countries. Moreover, the Dutch officials wish to

raise doubts about the American way of concluding a treaty with Japan.

Conclusions with regard to Dutch foreign policy

Why was the table of contents omitted in the published book? Since this book contains

over 530 pages, the publisher did not have to restrict the number of pages. Also why

would Van der Chijs, as a researcher, modify some sentences in his book leaving a

different impression? These reasons may be found by taking into account the foreign

policy interests of the Netherlands.

From the very begining, the Dutch government widely propagated its contribution to

the development of Japan’s foreign relations. Thus, it had looked forward to the

publication of the above-mentioned ‘Neêrlands streven’ by Van der Chijs.（12） Later,

however, the publication of Van der Chijs’s book was likely to arouse public opinion

against the Netherlands in western countries if it were published without revisions, and

moreover, in French. This situation does not coincide with the Dutch interests. Moreover,

Van der Chijs was just one of many civil servants.

The Netherlands clearly lost its fortunate position as ‘Japan’s special friend’（13）after

the conclusion of the Japanese-American treaty in 1858. Thereafter the Netherlands

could not adapt its policy based on the goodwill of the Japanese and it became difficult to

shape its own diplomacy as one of several western powers. But it would not easily

abandon Japanese affairs because these were among its most important interests in Asia.

Especially, the Netherlands could not oppose the U.S.A., the newcomer in Asia which

was comparable to the largest powers in Europe and did not recognize a special

relationship between the Netherlands and Japan. Therefore, the Dutch proposed to

establish a triple entente for Japanese affairs with England, its ‘natural ally’ in Europe,

and France, whose behavior in Asia was not aggressive at that time. Avoiding any

political difficulties as much as possible, the Netherlands would oppose the U.S.A. and

make profits in Japan to a maximal degree. From this perspective the relations with

England and France were essential. This book was originally written to respond to the

criticism of Netherlands in Europe. However, that necessity was fading, while England



and France came to value the Dutch contribution to the opening of Japan.

In addition, Van der Chijs wanted to stress the unselfish diplomacy of the Netherlands

regarding the opening of Japan. Documents suggest that he noticed the Dutch intention

to acquire privileges or profits in this affair. If these documents were published in the

original form, the image of the Dutch ‘unselfish’ contribution to the opening of Japan to

world trade would be tarnished. Furthermore, at the time of publication, the Netherlands

had a very limited scope for shaping its own diplomacy towards Japan. Hence, the author

revised his book with an agreement between himself and KITLV in order not to arouse

political criticism in foreign countries. From these considerations resulted the decision to

modify documents, not to publish the book in French, to delay the publication, and to

omit the table of contents by which it would have been easy to find descriptions about

incidents and events. Examination of these additional elements related to Van der Chijs’s

book refutes the notion that the Netherlands was a ‘small power’ and it could not

influence international relations.（14）

（1） It seems that Geschiedenis der Stichting der vereenigde O.I. Compagnie en der

Maatregelen van de Nederlandsche Regering betreffende de vaart op Oost-Indie, welke aan

deze stichting voorafgingen, Leyden 1856 was his dissertation.

（2） De Latijnsche Scholen van 1642 en 1666, alsmede Het Seminarium van 1745 te Batavia

― Proeve eener geschiedenis van het onderwijs in Nederlands Indie, Batavia 1860. HetMiddelbaar School-Onderwijs te Batavia gedurende de eerste helft van de 19e eeuw volgens

officieel bescheiden, Batavia 1902.

（3） Catalogus der Numismatische afdeeling van het Museum van het Bataviaasch

Genootschap van Kunsten en Wetenschappen, Batavia 1869. ‘Proeve eener Ned. Indische

Bibliographie (1659―1870)’, in Verhandelingen van het Bataviaasche Genootschap vanKunsten en Wetenschappen, Deel XXXIX, Batavia 1880. Inventaris van ’s Lands Archief te

Batavia (1602―1816) ― zamengesteld en uitgegeven op last van de Nederlandsch-Indischeregering, Batavia 1882. Catalogus der Tentoonstelling van Landbouw, Veeteelt en

Nijverheid te Batavia 1893, Batavia 1893.

（4） De Nederlanders te Jakatra. Uit de bronnen, zoo uitgegevene als niet uitgegevene,

bewerkt, Amsterdam 1860. De vestiging van het Nederlandsche gezag over de Banda-

eilanden (1599―1621), met eene kaart, ’s Hage 1866. Mijne Reis naar Japan in 1869 enterugkeer over Engelsch Indië, Palestina enz, in 1870, met platen, Utrecht 1874.

Geschiedenis van de Soenda-Landen, Batavia 1880. Geschiedenis van de Gouvernements

Thee-Cultuur op Java, zamengesteld voornamelijk uit officiëele bronnen, Batavia & ’s Hage

1903.

（5） Catalogus der Ethnologische afdeeling van het Museum van het Bataviaasch

Genootschap van Kunsten en Wetenschappen, Batavia 1880.

（6） Prospectus van een werk over de Munten van Nederlandsch Indië, Batavia 1860. De

Latijnsche Scholen Van 1642 En 1666, alsmede Het Seminarium van 1745 te Batavia ―Proeve eener geschiedenis van het onderwijs in Nederlands Indie, Batavia 1860. ‘De

Munten van Nederlandsch Indië, beschreven en afgebeeld door E. Netscher en Mr. J.A.



van der Chijs’, in Verhandelingen van het Bataviaasche Genootschap van Kunsten en

Wetenschappen, Deel XXXI, Batavia 1864.

（7） P.C. Molhuysen en Fr. K.H. Kossmann, Nieuw Nederlandsch Biografisch Woordenboek,

Leiden 1937, pp.171―172. Ministerie van Koloniën (MK, in het Nationaal Archief in theNetherlands), Stamboeken Burgerlijke Ambtenaren Serie A, nr. 905 M 68 527.

（8） Although Van der Chijs attempted to deny this, the official documents in the archives

show that the rumours were actually based on the truth. See Minori Kogure, National

prestige and economic interest : Dutch diplomacy toward Japan 1850―1863, Maastricht2008.

（9） The Japanese translation is published in Minori Kogure, Tôzai Kaijôkôtsû no Kigen ―Oranda to Kaikoku Nihon no Reimei (The Origins of East-West Maritime Relations ― Thelong-standing Dutch-Japanese relationship and the dawn of Japan’s sea power in the late

Tokugawa-era), Sairyûsha 2017.

（10） This in the form of microfilm comes from the National Archives in Indonesia (Arsip

Nasional Republik Indonesia, ANRI). See Historical documents relating to Japan in

foreign countries : An inventory of microfilm acquisitions in the Historiographical Institute

(Shiryô Hensanjo), the University of Tokyo, 14, p.71.

（11） The Dutch full text is published in Minori Kogure, ‘An aspect of Dutch diplomacy

towards Japan in late Tokugawa era, with Reference to the handwriting of Neêrlands

Streven’, Itteki 8, Okayama, 2000.

（12） MK no.6531, The semi-official letter of 13 July 1861 N.277 from the governor-general of

the Dutch East Indies to the minister of Colonial Affairs. The governor-general of the

Dutch East Indies also expressed his expectation that he would take great interest in it.

MK no.6531, The semi-official letter of 6 September 1861 N.23 from the governor-general

of the Dutch East Indies to the minister of Colonial Affairs.

（13） Kogure, National prestige and economic interest, p.165.

（14） Vandenbosch, Amery, The Dutch foreign policy since 1825 : A study in small power

politics, The Hague 1959.

