I came across these records by working backwards from the Logbooks of the Warship Tsushima. On November 13th the Tsushima was issued Confidential Directives #689 and #275. Later on I would find the origin of these commands in the Diary of Japan’s Second Fleet. This makes sense because the Second Fleet commanded by Vice Admirals Kamimura and Uryu were responsible from patrolling the Sea of Japan (East Sea) which of course included Ulleungdo and Dokdo (Liancourt Rocks)
The translation was quite difficult and I’m sure there are some mistakes. However, I’ve gleaned a lot of great data from these records. Of interest are the details of Confidential Directive #698 involving the Warship Tsushima’s inspection of Liancourt Rocks.
File Number – – – – 4900
戰時日誌付録 第二艦隊司令部
October 1-December 21, Meiji 37
List of wartime dates
2nd Fleet Headquarters
File Number – – – – 4900
瓜生第二艦隊司令官ニ訓令 丗七年十一月十三日午前八時 於尾崎湾旗艦出雲
一．貴官ハ左記ノ任務ニ服セシムル為麾下ノ軍艦ヲ派遣スベシ
一．高崎山無線通信秘通信試験施行及右係官ヲ同地ニ送致ノ件
二．リヤンゴルド島視察ノ件
三．松島及竹濱望樓台ノ送致ノ件
右派遣期日ハ別ニ之ヲ命ス
ニ．哨艦監視法ヲ左ノ如ク改メ明後十五日ヨリ施行セシム貴官ハ之ニ関スル細則ヲ規宣シ寛施ノ 任ニ當ルベシ
AB哨艦ハ毎日天明ノ位置ヲ、Aハ四四四、Bハ四一
地点附近トシソレヨリ約十節ノ速力ニテ Aハ東、Bハ西水道ヲ通過シテ南下シ日没頃ヨリ引返シ連続同運動ヲ繰返シ浦汐艦隊及密航船舶 監視ニ任ス
Second Fleet Confidential No. 698
Instruction to Commander Uryu, 2nd Fleet, 8:00 a.m., November 13, 1904, at Nagasaki Bay, Flagship Izumo
I. You are to dispatch the warships under your command to perform the following duties:
1. To conduct a secret communication test for radio communication at Mt. Takasaki (Oki Island) and to send the right officer to the same location.
2. Inspection of Liancourt Rocks (Dokdo)
3. To dispatch officials to Matsushima (Ulleungdo) and Takehama (Jukbyeon, Korea) Watchtower
The date of dispatch is to be specified separately.
D. Revision of the Patrol Vessel Surveillance Law The Patrol Vessel Surveillance Law shall be revised as follows and shall come into effect on the fifteenth day of the following month.
The AB patrol vessels shall be stationed daily in the vicinity of the following points: A: 444, B: 41.
A will pass through the East Channel and B through the West Channel at a speed of about 10 knots, and then head south, turning back around sunset and continuously repeating the same movement to monitor the Urasio Fleet and stowaway vessels.
Document Number # 1752
ニ。（九日午前一時廿分ダルニー発九日午前五時着）
朝鮮海峡両岸各地ニ無線電信所ハ従来ノ監督ニ不便ナルカ故に敵艦隊出没等ノ際発信侗ニ亘リ混信ヲ来ス等通信ノ遲迎ヲ来センコトアリンシ様様知セリ波羅的艦隊来航ノ事実ニ近キ今日仝海峡ニ在ル陸海電信線望楼無線電信所ノ通信系統ヲ一層明シ重要ナル通信取ニ将校ヲ配スル等通信連絡ノ敏速ヲ計ルハ最モ必要ナコトト
We have decided to start repair work on the Asahi Takasago at Kure Military Port and the Akitsushu at Sasebo Military Port, and for this purpose, one ship from each fleet in your area will be sent for repair, and there is no problem.
(1:30 a.m. on the 9th). (Departing Dalny at 1:20 a.m. on the 9th and arriving at 5:00 a.m. on the 9th)
It is well known that wireless telegraph stations on both sides of the Korea Strait are inconvenient to supervise, and that interference occurs during transmissions when enemy fleets appear, causing delays in communications. However, as the arrival of the fleet draws near, it is essential to clarify the communication systems of the land-sea telegraph lines, watchtowers, and wireless telegraph stations in the straits and to expedite communication by assigning officers to handle important communications.
右第一電ニ對シ第二戦隊諸艦（当地在留）ハ応急修理ノ必要ト認ムルモノナク目下戦局上尚在当地ノ一艦ヲ殺キ之ヲ黄海方面ニ廻ハシ仝方面ノ応急修理ヲ要スルモノノ数ヲ増加スル方時宣ニ適レタルモノトシ
聯合艦隊司令長官ニ左ノ意見ヲ具申ス
「各艦隊一隻宛修理ニ着手スベキ貴電拝…
In view of your previous experience in the area of the Straits, you are requested to come up with a plan which you consider most appropriate and submit it directly to the Headquarters.
In response to the first report to the right, the ships of the 2nd Squadron (in the area) do not recognize the need for emergency repairs, and in view of the current war situation, it would be appropriate to kill one ship in the area and send it to the Yellow Sea to increase the number of ships requiring emergency repairs in that area.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet is hereby informed of the following opinion
“Please send a message to the Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet that repairs should be started on one ship in each fleet…
右意見具申ス至急御指揮ヲ仰グ」
又瓜生司令官ニ左ノ訓令ヲ興ツ
「尚后ノ行動上此際各艦艇ニ相當ノ修理ヲ施シ置クノ必要ヲ認ムルニ付貴官ハ第
Accordingly, the 4th Squadron will be alternately repaired only where necessary, and the 2nd Squadron needs repairs, but since the current condition does not affect its service, rather than carrying out partial repairs in a short time, we will allocate one ship from the current area to participate in your operations, and we will have first-class cruisers and above that are lacking in combat power begin repairs as soon as possible, which I believe will lead to the fall of Port Arthur.
I submit this opinion and ask for your immediate command.
He also issued the following instructions to Commander Uryu.
“Furthermore, as I recognize the need to carry out appropriate repairs on each ship at this time for future operations, I would like you to
右ニ基キ第四戦隊ノ新高ハ艤装ノ欠点ヨリ生セシ煙突ノ損処ハ其ノ高速力駆行ニ堪ヘサルヲ以テ明早朝佐世保ニ回航シ工廠検査ヲ受ケタル上応急修理ヲナスカ将本修理ヲナスカ孰レカニ決宣スルコトトシ又香港丸日本丸ヲ一隻ズツ交互ニ修理スルコトトセリ
右第ニ電ニ對シ軍令部長ニ左ノ意見書ヲ呈ス（仝時参謀長ヨリ聯合艦隊参謀長ニ右上日通報ス）（十日午后発）
One of the ships in the 4th Fleet that needs repairs, as well as one of the Hong Kong 9 and Nippon Maru, will be sent alternately to Sasebo or Nagasaki, and repairs will be carried out within two weeks.
Based on the above, the Niitaka of the 4th Squadron is unable to withstand high-speed operation due to a defect in its equipment and damage to its funnel, so it will be sent to Sasebo early tomorrow morning to undergo an inspection at the arsenal and a decision will be made as to whether it will be repaired temporarily or permanently. It has also been decided that the Hong Kong Maru and Nippon Maru will be repaired alternately.
In response to the above telegram, the Chief of the Naval Staff submitted the following opinion (the Chief of Staff will notify the Chief of Staff of the Combined Fleet on the 10th) (issued in the afternoon of the 10th)
一。松島竹辺湾其他朝鮮海峡諸地点ニ通信機関新設相成候以来當方面ノ通信ハ弥ニ確実ト相成目下ノ情況ニ対シテハ充分ナリト信ジ居リ候モ后来作戦ノ進行上一層當方面ノ警戒ニ重キヲ置カルノ必要モ可有之思考惟ニ就テハ此際尚左ノ各項脚実施相成候様希望致候
一・當方面ニアル艦隊トノ通信ヲ更ニ迅速確実ナラシメンガタメ電信線ノ集合点ニ通信専務ノ将校一名ヲ置キ艦隊ノ所発受信ノ速.
Opinion on communications in the Straits of Korea and the western Sea of Japan.
1.We have established communications agencies at Matsushima (Ulleung Island -Korea ), Jukbin Bay, (Jukbyeon – Korea) and other points in the Korean Strait. We believe that all communications in this direction are reliable and will be sufficient to keep us informed of the situation. However, in view of future operations, we believe that it will be necessary to tighten our vigilance in this direction. Therefore, we would like to make the following suggestions…
1-1. In order to make communication with the fleet in this direction more prompt and certain, one liaison officer shall be posted at the junction of the telegraph lines to receive and transmit the various communications of the fleet quickly.
現在ニ在テハ之ヲ竹敷ニ置キ根拠地ヲ鎮海湾ニ變シリルキハ鎮海湾ニ置リ等常ニ艦隊ト共に其ノ所在ヲ変セシム
ニ・無線電信ヲ有スル各仮設望楼及松島望楼（東西ノ間ニ一名）ニハ将校一名ヲ配シ第一項ノ将校ニ隷セシムルコト
三・リアンゴルド島ニ望楼ヲ新設シ松島ヨリ水底電信連絡ヲ取るコト
在松島漁民ノ所話ニ依レバ東西両島ノ間ニハ適良ナル可船水道アリ錨泊ニ適シ且島内諸処ニ清水湧出シ其ノ地積モ充分ニ望楼ヲ建設スルニ堪ユルカ如シ
From this point forward, that position should always move with the fleet, just as the base at Takeshi was moved to Jinhae Harbor.
2. One officer is to be stationed at each of the temporary lookouts and the Matsushima (Ulleungdo-Korea) lookout (one east and one west) that have wireless communication capability, to serve as liaison officer for paragraph 1.
3. Establish a new watchtower on Liancourt Island (Dokdo) to communicate with Matsushima (Ulleungdo-Korea) via submarine telegraph.
According to the stories of the fishermen in Matsushima, (Ulleungdo – Korea) the water between the two islands (on Dokdo) divided into east and west is deep enough for ships to pass, suitable for anchoring, and there is a clear spring within the island, and the island is large enough to support a watchtower.
五・大瀬崎及濟州島（若クハ巨文島）ニ無線電信所ヲ新設スルコト
但シ巨濟島無線通信所ハ左程必要ナラサルカ故ニ他ニ移動セシメラルモ差支ナカルベシ
六・油谷湾玉ノ浦ニ仮泊スル船舩ニ通信ノ速達ヲ期スルタメ陸上電信線ヲ海岸造延長スルコト
七・鎮海湾ノ艦隊確泊場ハ濟州島方面ニ機関ノ繋雷浮標ヲ設ケ電話線ヲ通スルコト
八・沖ノ島北方ヲ監視スル哨艦トノ通信を迅…
4. quickly create a meteorological communication organization that covers each island in southern Korea
5. Establish new radio stations on Ousezaki and Jeju Island (or Geomun Island).
However, the Geojedo radio station is currently not needed, so it can be moved to another location.
6. Extend the coastal telegraph line to quickly send communications to ships temporarily anchored in Yuya Bay and Tamanoura.
7. Install an institutional wire buoy in the direction of Jeju Island, where the fleet in Jinhae Bay is anchored, to secure communication lines.
8. communicate with the sentry ships to watch north of Okinoshima…
右各項ハ必要ノ程度ニ従ヒ順序ニ配列シタルモノニ有ノ候（了）
軍令部次長ヨリノ電報
「九日上海小田切領事ヨリノ電報ニ依レバ汽舩「ロドセン」本日正午出港セリ
香港ヨリ三井物産會社ニ左ノ報ニ依レバWilhelminaハアストリヤニ向けSalgordiaハ香港ニ向ケ十月十三日出港セリ」
右ニヨリ在竹敷瓜生司令官ニ便宣哨艦ヲ増加シ監視ヲ厳ニスベキヲ電令セリ
To establish a radio telegraph office on Mishima to ensure speed and reliability.
The items to the right are arranged in order of necessity.
Telegram from the Deputy Chief of the Military Command
Telegram from Consul Odagiri of Shanghai dated the 9th, stating that the steamer “Rodosen” is leaving port at noon today.
In accordance with the report to the left from Mitsui & Co. in Hong Kong, the steamer Wilhelmina is leaving for Astoria and the steamer Salgordia is leaving for Hong Kong on October 13th.
In accordance with the above, I have ordered Commander Uryu Takeshiki to increase the number of patrol vessels and to keep a close watch on them.
瓜生司令官ハE哨艦（天明位置四六六）一隻ヲ増シ笠置ヲシテ十日十一日両日之ニ當ラシメAB哨艦天明ノ位置ヲ四九七及四一〇地点トセリ
午后一時十五分 松島西望楼ヨリノ報告
「六時四十分赤燈ヲ点セル汽船一隻西北約十海里ノ沖ニテ発見シ西南ニ當リ見失ヘリ」
右ニヨリ瓜生司令官及哨艦浪速高千穂ニ左ノ電信ヲ発ス
「九日午后七時松島西望楼ノ報告ニヨレバ一汽船同島ノ西方十海里ヲ南下セリト哨艦ハ明朝之カ発見ヲ力ムルヲ要ス」
聯合艦隊司令長官ヨリノ電報（午后八時廿分ダルテ発 午后十時着）
Also, the fleet in the DE patrol area is ordered to be on full alert.
Commander Uryu adds one more E patrol ship (Tenmei at 466) to the fleet and orders Kasagi to be in position for both the 10th and 11th, and the AB patrol ships Tenmei and Tenmei to be at 497 and 410.
Report from Matsushima (Ulleung Island Korea) West Watchtower at 1:15 p.m.
“At 6:40 a.m. a steamer with a red light was found about 10 nautical miles offshore to the northwest and was lost to the southwest.”
A telegram was sent to Commander Uryu and the patrol vessel Naniwa Takachiho.
“At 7:00 P.M. on the 9th, a report from the west watchtower of Matsushima (Ulleung Island – Korea) indicates that a steamer is heading south 10 nautical miles west of the island, and that the patrol ships must find it tomorrow morning.”
Telegram from the Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet (departing at 8:20 in the afternoon and arriving at 10:00 in the afternoon).
香港丸艦長ヨリ電報
「操舵機損所分解検査ノ結果日数九日間ヲ要ス
来ル廿二日竣工ノ豫定ナリ云々」
乙隊機密第六九八号ヲ以テ瓜生司令官ニ左ノ件訓令ス
要領一。麾下ノ一艦ヲ以テ高崎山無線電信試験及右係官ノ送致、リアンゴルド島視察
松島竹濱望楼台ノ位置変更ノ件
ニ。AB哨艦ノ位置変更ノ件
又他CFG哨艦ノ位置及以上三哨艦ハ命ニヨリ臨時出スベキ件
三。交互麾下ノ一艦ヲ佐世保若ハ長崎派遣
Arrival at 3:00 p.m. from Tsushima watch station
Telegram from the Captain of the Hong Kong Maru
“After analyzing the damaged part of the steering wheel, we need 9 days.
Expected to be completed on the 20th, etc.”
Pursuant to Second Fleet Confidential Directive # No. 698, Commander Uryu is instructed as follows.
Order 1. Send the above officer to the first ship of the line to test the radio transmissions at Mt. Takazaki. Inspection of Liancourt Island (Dokdo)
To change the position of the watchtowers on Matsushima (Ulleung Island – Korea) and Jukbin (Jukbyeon – Korea).
2. Change the position of the AB sentry ship.
3. Dispatch your Majesty’s 1st ship to Sasebo and Nagasaki alternately…
Document Number # 1786
午后一時廿分 春日丸哨区ニ向ヒ出港仝四時廿五分千早哨区ヨリ入港ス
午后二時三十分笠置臨時ｃ哨区ニ向ヒ出港（注意舩「トリス」号膠州湾出港舟）
午后五時三十五分對馬出港
・右は去十三日乙隊機密第六九八号瓜生司令官ニ興ヘタ以訓令ニ基ク
仝艦隊定行動左ノ如シ
・十九日朝竹濱着仝夕松島着廿日朝リアンゴルド着廿一日朝隠岐着
本月西水道ノ査間哨区舩便七十号ヲ以テ通信宇文代ノ為メ蔚嵜望樓ニ置ル
Nov. 18 Ozaki Sunny Southwest winds 1-2 64° to 47°F
Departed Kasugamaru watch station at 1:20 p.m. Arrived at 4:25 a.m. from Chihaya watch area.
2:30 p.m. departed Kasaoki temporary C watch area (vessel to watch: Dolce *sailed from Kyoju (Qingdao, China) Bay)
Departed Tsushima at 5:35 p.m.
The above is Confidential Directive No. 698 of the 13th. Based on instructions to Commander Uryu.
The behavior of the fleet was as follows.
On the morning of the 19th, Jukbyeon (Korea) arrived at Matsushima (Ulleung Island Korea) the same evening; arrived at Liancourt (Dokdo) on the morning of the 20th. Arrival in Oki on the morning of the 21st.
Communicated with *Seosu-do (the sea west of Daemado in the Korea Strait) this month by putting it in watch boat No. 70 during reconnaissance. Left it at Uljaki Lighthouse (Ulsan) due to communication costs.
Document Number # 1808
乙隊機密七一五号ノニ以テ春日丸艦長ト仝館指揮下デアル偽装砲艦二隻宛シ便宣佐世保ヲ廻航ノ上修理及海防水雷発射管ノ装備ヲ施行セレムベキヲ訓令ス
右ニ依リ神祐丸および海城丸ハ午后五時佐世保ヲ廻航
総合艦隊司令長官ヨリノ電報（午后八時五十五分ダルニー発）
「修理ノ為メ夕霧ヲ佐世保ニ廻航センムベキ旨訓電セリ」
十一月廿四日 尾嵜 午前 晴 午后 雲 北風九一 五十八度～四十九度
午前十時對馬入港 仝艦長ヨリ リアンゴルド島視察報告
リアンゴルド島視察ノ為メ副長山田少佐ヲシテ軍醫長舩匠師等ヲ率ヒ実地踏査セシメタルニ別紙
At 4:30 a.m., the 69th ship arrived from the Jinhae coast. The No. 70 remains at the scene to search for the sinking of the fired mines.【No. 69 arrives from the Jinhae coast】.
Assigned Kasugamaru and the two camouflage vessels under her command for the operation of Classified Directive 715 No. 2, and ordered them to carry out repairs and torpedo launcher equipment while sailing back to Sasebo for their convenience.
Shin Umaru and Kaijo Maru to return to Sasebo at 5 p.m. in accordance with the above.
Telegram from Commander-in-Chief, Allied Fleet (8:55 p.m. from Darni)
“Please advise me why Yuuri should be returned to Sasebo for repairs.”
Nov. 24 Ozaki Morning clear, afternoon cloudy North Wind 1 58 degrees to 49 degrees.
10:00 a.m. Arrived in port at Tsushima. Captain Dong reports on his inspection of Liancourt Island.
“In order to inspect Liancourt Island, I was accompanied by Lieutenant Yamada, the commander, the ship’s engineer, and others. Attached here to follow.
Document Number # 1809
報告書二通ハ略ス伹ン其要点左ノ如シ
第一・望婁象定位置トシテ西島ノ東面山崩ノ電及東島頂西南端ニアル平地ヲ像迸シ且ハ堤防ヲ其目的ニ充テンニハ充分ナル工事ヲ要スルコト及仝島ハ展望ニ適セザルコト
第二・飲用水ナキコト
右ニ基キ軍令部長ニ左ノ報告ヲス
Acknowledging that, as stated in the report, without sufficient civil works and foundations being laid, the site is utterly unsuitable for telecommunications, and that this important point is very regrettable but cannot be neglected. I have attached two separate reports, which I hereby report in full and in writing.
The contents of the two reports, briefly summarized, are as follows
1. the proposed location of the watchtower would be suitable for its intended purpose if the mountain face east of the west island, or the flat land southwest of the summit of the east island, were levelled and embanked, but such work would be necessary. Also, the island is not suitable for viewing.
2. there is no potable water.
Reported to the commander-in-chief in accordance with the above as follows.
Document Number # 1810
午后一時五十五分笠置哨区ニ向ヒ出港仝二時千早哨區ヨリ入港
午后一時香港丸第一艦隊現在地ニ向ヒ佐世保出港
（昨日ハ艦校故障ノ為メ出港見合セリ）
在呉常盤艦長ヨリ修理十二月十日竣工ノ電報アリ
本日ヨリ春日丸艦長ヲ委員長トシテ連撃沈置水雷ノ試験研究ヲナサレム
The “Opinion of the Second Squadron regarding the communication facilities in the vicinity of the Chosun Straits was reported with Confidential Report No. 691, and the third item regarding Liancourt rocks (Dokdo) was also reported with a report from the captain, who stated that it is not expected to be able to install the watchtower if major work is not carried out.
At 1:55 p.m. the vessel departed for Kasagi Sentinel and at 2:00 p.m. arrived at Chihaya Sentinel.
At one time in the afternoon, the Koukoumaru left Sasebo for the current location of the First Fleet
(Yesterday, the ship was not able to depart due to a malfunction of the ship’s school.)
Captain Tokiwa Kure received a telegram stating that repairs would be completed on December 10.
Today, with the captain of the Kasuga Maru as the chairman, a test study of a series of sinking submerged mines will be conducted.
案
朝鮮海峡及日本海西部ニ於ケル通信機関ニ就キ意見
松島竹濱湾其外朝鮮海峡諸地点ル通信機関新設相成候以来當方面ノ通信ハ称々確実ト相成目下 ノ情況ニ對シテハ充分ナリト信ジ居候モ後来作戦ノ進行上一層當方面ノ警戒ニ重キヲ置カル必 要モ可有ノ思考候様希望致候
一・當方面ニ在ル艦隊トノ通信ヲ更ニ迅速確実ナラシメンガ爲メ電信線ノ集点ニ通信専務ノ将 校一名ヲ置キ艦隊ノ所在情況及其通…
【乙隊機密第六九一号】
[Commander-in-Chief] [Chief of Staff] [General Staff] [Deputy Chief of Staff]
Suggestion:
Opinion on the communication facilities in the Korean Straits and the western part of the Sea of Japan.
Since the establishment of communication facilities in Matsushima, Takehama Bay, and other places in the Korean Straits, communication in the area has become more and more reliable, and I believe that it is sufficient for the current situation.
1. In order to further speed up and secure communication with the fleet in the area, I would like to assign one officer in charge of communications to be stationed at the telegraph line collection point, and to report the location of the fleet and its communications to the commander…
[Classified Directive No. 691]
現在ニ在ケハ之ヲ竹敷ニ置キ根據地ヲ鎮海湾ニ変シルキハ鎮海湾ニ置ク等當艦隊ト共其ノ所 在ヲ変ゼシム
ニ・無線電信ヲ有スル各假設望楼及松島望楼（東西ノ内ノ一名)ニハ将校数名ヲ配シ第一項ノ将 校ニ隷セシメルコト
三・「リアンゴルド」島ニ望楼ヲ新設シ松島ヨリ水底電線連絡ヲ取ルコト
在松島便漁民ノ不説ニ授レバ東西両島ノ間ニハ適良ナル一ノ航水道ラ錨泊ニ適シ且島内諸処 處ニ清水湧出シ其ノ地積モ充分…
…to fulfill the express delivery of telegrams in response to the urgency of new matters.
At the present time, the base at Takeshiki should be changed to Jinhae Bay, and the fleet in Jinhae Bay (Korea) should be relocated with the other fleets.
2. assign an officer to each temporary watchtower and outrigger watchtower (one from the east and one from the west) that has a radio, and subordinate him to the officer’s role in paragraph 1.
3. a new watchtower on the island of Liancourt (Dokdo) to be built and a submarine telegraph cable to be laid from Matsushima (Korea’s Ulleungdo) for communication.
According to the testimony of the fishermen living on Matsushima (Ulleungdo), the area between the eastern and western sides of the island (of Liancourt) is of good depth for anchoring, and there are clear springs of water in several places on the island, and the area of the land is large enough…
四・韓国南部諸島ニ於ケル隊宣通信機関ヲ速成スルコト
五・大瀬塙及濟州島（若クハ巨文島）ニ無線電信所ヲ新設セラルコト
但シ巨濟島無線電信所ハ左程必要ナラサルカ故に外ニ移転セシメラルモ差支ナカルベシ
六・油谷湾及玉ノ浦ニ仮泊スル船舩ニ通信ノ速達ヲ期スルタメ陸上電信線ヲ海岸造延長スルコ ト
七・鎮海湾ノ艦隊確泊場ハ濟州島方面ニテハ狹溢ナルカ故ニ鎮海方面ニ旗艦ノ繋留浮標ヲ設 ケ電話線ヲ通スルコト
4. To speed up the establishment of a military communications organization in the southern islands of Korea.
5. Establish new wireless telegraph stations in Osehawa and Chejudo (or Geomundo).
However, as the radio telegraph station on Geomundo is not so necessary, it would be acceptable if it were moved to another location.
6. To extend the land telegraph line along the coast to ensure faster communication with ships temporarily berthed in Abura-ya Bay and Tamanoura.
7. The fleet anchorage in Jinhae Bay is too narrow near Jeju Island, so a mooring buoy for the flagship will be set up near Jinhae and a telephone line will be laid there.
右各項ハ必要ノ程度ニ従ヒ順序ニ配列シタルモノニ有之候
右意見具申候也
明治三十七年十一月十日尾崎
第二艦隊司令長官上村彦之丞
海軍ー
8. To ensure quick and reliable communication with patrol ships monitoring the north of Okinoshima, a wireless telegraph station will be installed on Mishima.
The above items have been arranged in order according to the degree of necessity.
This is the opinion I submit.
November 10, 1904, Ozaki
Commander-in-Chief of the Second Fleet, Kamimura Hikonojō
對馬機密第一二七号
「リヤンゴルド」島視察報告
四戰機密第二七六号訓令ニ基キ「リヤンゴルド」島視察ノ爲メ副長山中少佐ヲシテ軍医長舩医師 等ヲ率テ実地踏査セシメタルニ別紙報告ニ掲載セラルノ如ク充分ナル土木工事及設備ヲ施スニア ラザレバ到底電信所設置ニ適セサルヲ以テ此重衛ナル地点ハ遺憾放棄スルノ止ムヲ得サルモノト 認定セラレ候
別紙報告書二通相添ノ此暇及報告候也
明治三十七年十一月廿四日
對馬艦長仙頭武央
第二艦隊司令長官上村彦之丞
【乙隊機密第六九一号】
[Commander-in-Chief] [Chief of Staff] [General Staff] [Deputy Chief of Staff]
Tsushima Confidential No. 127
Report on Inspection of “Liancourt” Island
In accordance with the War Secret No. 276, Major Yamanaka, Deputy Commander-in-Chief, led the Chief Surgeon and Dr. Funafune to inspect “Liancourt” Island, and found that the island was not suitable for a telegraph station unless sufficient civil engineering work and facilities were done, as shown in the attached report. I hereby certify that the site of the telegraph station is not suitable for installation.
I have attached two copies of the attached report for your information at this time.
November 24, 1904
Takeo Sento, Captain of the Tsushima
Commander-in-Chief of the 2nd Fleet, Kamimura Hikonojō
[B Unit Confidential Order No. 691]
海軍少佐 山中柴吉
一・電信所設置ノ位置
「リヤンゴルド」島ハ別紙略圖ノ如ク一帯ノ狭水道ヲ隔テ相対峙スルニ個ノ主島ト周囲囲ニ碁列ス ル小峡ヨリ成ル洋中ノ一小群峡タルニ過キス是小峡ハ概子扁平ニシテ上面僅カニ水面上ニ現出シ 主島ノ周辺ハ奇觀ヲ呈スル洞窟ニ富シ共ニ海豹群ノ棲窟タリ主島ノ全周ノ断岸絶壁ニシテ軟性 ノ石層ヨリ成リ周辺何レヨリスルモ島頂ニ達スルトコ全然不可能トス之レヲ以て全島平坦ノ地ニ 乏シク水道ノ両側ニ於テ狭少ナル平坦ノ礫地ニ三ヵ所…
November 20th, Report on the inspection of “Liancourt” Island (Dokdo)
Navy Commander Yamanaka Shibakichi
1. Location of the telegraph station
As shown in the attached diagram, “Liancourt” Island is a small group of gorges in the ocean, consisting of a main island and a series of small gorges surrounding it, facing each other across a narrow strait. These gorges are generally flat, with only a small surface above the water. The area around the main island is rich in strange-looking caves, and is also a habitat for seals. The main island is surrounded by cliffs made of soft rock layers, and it is impossible to reach the top of the island from anywhere in the area. As a result, the island is lacking in flat land, and on both sides of the strait there are three narrow, flat, gravel areas…
（イ）西島ノ東面ニ山崩レアリ其傾斜頗ル急ニシテ上半ハ直立シ到底攀登スルニ断ハザレモ下半 ハ稍緩傾斜ヲナシ幸ニシテ其中腹マデ這達シ得其扄地質亦稍堅強ナル岩層ニシテ之レヲ開鏧スレ バ三坪弱ノ平坦地ヲ得ベク東風ノ外悉ク遮塀シ得ル位置ニアリ
…However, all of these are not immune to the onslaught of the Western waves. On the eastern island, there is a hut made of straw mats, used by hunters who come to this island in the summer to hunt seals. At the time, it was significantly damaged, and only a few traces remain. Judging from the state of the damage, it is possible to see the ferocity of the wind and waves that ravage this area. If we were to try to find a place to build somewhere that could avoid the sharp edges of the wind and waves, we found only the two places mentioned above.
(a) There is a landslide on the eastern side of the western island, and the slope is very steep, so the upper half is upright and cannot be climbed to the bottom, but the lower half is somewhat gentler and has no slope, so fortunately we could crawl up to the middle of the island. The geology is also a fairly strong rock layer, so we opened it up. It is located in a flat area of about 3 tsubo (10.6 m2) and is completely fenced off from the east wind.
ニ・ 望楼（寧口展望哨所）ノ位置
既ニ電信所ノ設置スレバ展望哨ノ必要アル可シ然ラザレバ電信所ハ盲者ノ哨兵ニ等シカル可シ 本島ノ地勢タルヤ前項ニ記述シタル如ク家屋建築用地ハ（イ）（ロ）ノ二ヵ所ノミニシテ全島 断岸絶壁一ノ渓地ヨリ其隣渓ニ致ラントスルモ亦小舟ニ依ラセル
(b) The top of the eastern island appears to be flat at first glance, and appears suitable for building houses. However, when exploring it, it is not possible to reach certain areas without extensive construction work on the route, and it is not possible to actually see it. However, it is exposed to the harsh winds of the ocean on all sides, and the flat area at the southern end is approximately 10,000m2 in area, and the northwest side seems to be fenced off due to the terrain.
2. Watchtower (lookout) locations
If a telegraph station has already been installed, an observation post will be necessary. If not, the telegraph station will be equivalent to a blind sentry. Due to the topography of the main island, as described in the previous paragraph, there are only two sites for building houses on the entire island, except for (a) and (b). From the cliff of one river to the neighboring river, you can also use a small boat.
（イ）ノ位置ニ於テ哨所ヲ求ムルニ家屋敷地ノ上方西側ニ偏シタル一地点ノミ辛ウジテ攀登シ得 此地点ニ於テハ別圖点線ノ如ク比較的夛大ノ展望面ヲ有スルモノノ如シ
三・居住ノ適否
飲料水ー島内ニ三ヶ所ニ湧水アレモ別紙今井軍医長ノ提出セル報告ノ如ク飲料水ニ適スルモノナ ク雨水ノ供給ヲ仰ガサルベカラス海豹漁ノタメ渡来スルモノ… Therefore, the location of the sentry post must be in a valley where there are inhabited areas.
In order to locate the sentry post at the location of (a), it is only possible to climb to a spot on the west side above the residential area. This spot has a relatively wide view, as shown by the dotted line in the attached drawing.
3. Suitability of habitation
Drinking water – Although there are three springs on the island, as reported by Chief Surgeon Imai in the attached document, none of them are suitable for drinking, so rainwater must be supplied. The island is used for fishing for seals…
僅カニ笞生スルニミ燃料ヲ得ルノ途ナシ
糧食ー全島至ル所海豹ノ棲窟ナラザルナク之レヲ猟取スルヲ難カラズ魚類ハ彼レ海豹ノ好餌トナ
リ漁者ノ手中ニ入ルヲ難カラン
其外野菜類ハ搴モ得ルコ能ハズ
The sea is calm, but island water is drawn and used for cooking, but drinking water (tea water) is brought from outside. Fuel – The whole island is barren and covered with bald rocks, and the sea breeze blows all over it. There is not a single tree, and only a few wild plants grow on the south side of the main island, so there is no way to obtain fuel. Food – The whole island is a habitat for seals, so it is not difficult to hunt them. Fish are a good food for seals, so it is difficult for fishermen to get their hands on them. In addition, vegetables are difficult to obtain.
聞ク處ニ依レバ毎年六七月頃ハ海豹猟ノタメ来ルモ夛ク時トシテ数十人ニ達スルニアリ是来ハ皆
一面約十日間突假居ヲナシ猟獲ニ従事スレモ其外ノ季ニ於テハ来ルモノ少ナレト云う本官ノ實視
セル幾百千ヲ次テ数アル海豹群ハ周年猟獲シテ尚余リアルベキニモ拘ハラズ六七月季ノ外来航ス
ルヲ欲セザルハ
シ秋冬季ニ於ケル蠻爪ハ猟夫ヲシテ避難ノ途ヲ得ルニ苦シマシムルニ帰因スル
ナランカ
之レニ寄テ之レヲ見レバ狭島ノ居住ハ充分ナル設備ヲ施スニアラザレバ穴居ノ優シルニ如カズ栰
カ軍事上ノ要望ハ尚是等ノ設備ヲ必要トスルカ當局者ノ判断ニ資スルコト此ノ如シ
…Without fuel, drinking water, or food, they have to rely on the various villages for supplies on a daily basis.
According to what I have heard, every year in June and July, people come to hunt seals, but it is a crowded time, with dozens of people in total. Up until now, everyone has been staying in one place for about ten days and engaged in hunting, but in other seasons, it is my observation that few people come.
The seals, which number in the hundreds of thousands, are hunted all year round, and even though they should be, they do not want to leave the area in June and July.
This is probably because the barbaric claws of the autumn and winter seasons make it difficult for hunters to find a way to escape.
In light of this, living on a small island would not be as convenient as living in a cave unless adequate facilities were provided.
However, military needs still require such facilities, and this will help officials make the decision.
報告
海軍大軍医 今井外実太郎
「リヤンゴルド」島ハ二個ノ小島及其周囲ニ碁列セル数個ノ小嶕ヨリナリ地貸岩石嶢埆トシテ屹立
シ満目一点ノ樹木ナク山頂ニ向ヒ攀登スルニ礫石輾轉シ歩行頗ル困難ニシテ途上平坦ナル地ヲ
見ルハ難シ地質既ニ斯ノ如キ状態ナレバ山頂ニ湧水根源ノ有無ヲ短時間内ニ探駘スルハ困難ナリ
シヲ以テ施行セザリシイガ今地形上ヨリ之レヲ想定スルモ山頂ニ湧水根源ノ無キハ明ナリ然シテ
同島ニ於ケル水ノ状況ニ就テハ西島ノ西南隅ニ一個ノ洞窟アリ其天蓋ヲナス岩石ヨリ流出スル水
ハ其量稍夛量ナルモ洞口ニ向ヒ点滴スル恰モ雨水ノ軒頭ヨリ滴下スルト同様ナルヲ以テ採取…
Report on the exploration of the water source of “Ryangord” Island on November 20, 1904. Naval surgeon Tonotaro Imai. “Liancourt” Island is made up of two small islands and several small ridges arranged in a checkerboard pattern, and stands tall as a rocky hill.
There is not a single tree on the entire island, and the climb to the summit is extremely difficult due to the rolling gravel, and it is difficult to find flat ground along the way. Given the geology, it is difficult to quickly find out whether there is a spring source on the summit. Therefore, we have not carried out the exploration, but although we can assume that there is one based on the topography, it is clear that there is no spring source on the summit.
As for the water situation on the island, there is a cave in the southwest corner of the west island, and the water flowing out from the rocks that cover it is a little large, but it drips toward the cave mouth, just like rainwater dripping from the eaves, so it can be collected…
ニ僅微ニシテ加ウルニ其経路中山腹若クハ山麓呆ニ住スル海豹ノ尿屎等ニ依リ汚染セラルヲ認ム
試シニ東島ノ東南隅ニ於テ滴下セル水を採取シ検査セルニ狭水一種異様ノ嫌悪スベキ臭気ヲ発シ
黄色ヲ呈シ既ニ汚水タルヲ認セリ然シテ化学的駘査上ノ成績ヲ得愈々悪水ニシテ飲料ニ適セサル
ヲ認メタリ即チ死ノ如シ 理学的反應黄色有臭微混濁酸性反應 格魯児多量 硫酸多量 硝酸ナシ
亜硝酸ナシ 石炭少量 安母尼亞少量 有機質中量 右報告ス
In several other places, I found water dripping from the top of the mountain to the mountainside and gradually dripping into the swamps, but the amount was very small. In addition, it was found that the water was contaminated by the urine of seals living on the mountainside or at the foot of the mountains in its path.
When the water dripping from the southeast corner of the East Island was sampled and tested, the narrow water had a strange and repulsive odor. It was found to be yellow in color and already polluted. However, after careful chemical analysis, the water was found to be increasingly bad and unfit for drinking.
Physical Properties: Yellowish color, odor, slight muddiness, acidic response: High amount of chloroform, high amount of sulfuric acid, low amount of nitric acid, low amount of nitrous acid, low amount of coal, low amount of nitric acid, low amount of nitric acid
No nitrous acid, small amount of coal, small amount of ammonia, medium amount of organic matter.
對馬機密第一二七号ノ三
報 告
本艦四戰機密第二七六号訓令ニ基キ松島寄艦ノ莭別紙記載セラルノ如ク全島ノ概説及境ノ住
人島根篭次ナル者ヨリ一ノ情報ヲ了知
條此
及報告候也
明治三十七年十一月廿四日
對馬艦長仙頭武央
第二艦隊司令長官上村彦之丞殿
【乙隊機密第七ニ一号】
[Commander-in-Chief] [Chief of Staff] [General Staff] [Adjutant General] [Adjutant General]
Tsushima Confidential No. 127-3
Report.
Pursuant to the order of the 4th Classified, No. 276, I have recorded the events of my visit to Matsushima (Ulluengdo) on a separate sheet, and I have obtained (taken) information from a resident, Shimane (Ryo) Jee, concerning the general description and environment of the whole island, and I hereby (telegraph) and report it.
Meiji 37, November 24
Tsushima Captain Takeo Sendo
To Mr. Hikonosho Kamimura, Commander-in-Chief of the Second Fleet.
[Confidential Directive No. 721]
The documents above finally put this argument to rest. Not only were Japan’s military motives exposed with these documents, we can see how immensely important Dokdo (Takeshima) was to Japan’s top naval brass and logistics personnel.
Vice Admiral Uryū Sotokichi was a famous admiral of the Imperial Japanese Navy, active in the Russo-Japanese War, most notably at the Battle of Chemulpo Bay and the Battle of Tsushima. He became a rear admiral and Chief of the Imperial Japanese Navy General Staff on 21 May 1900.
Uryū was promoted to vice admiral on 6 June 1904. During the Russo-Japanese War, he commanded the Second Squadron at the Battle of Chemulpo Bay which resulted in the destruction of the Russian cruiser Varyag and gunboat Korietz. We can read the instruction on November 13th 1904 sent to Vice Admiral Uryū to dispatch the ships to survey Liancourt Rocks. (Second Fleet Confidential Directive #698) This was of course sent to the Warship Tsushima.
Kamimura Hikonojō was another early Japanese admiral of the Imperial Japanese Navy, commanding the IJN 2nd Fleet during the Russo-Japanese War, most notably at the Battle off Ulsan and Tsushima.
It was Kamimura and Uryū’s roles in the Battle of Ulsan near Dokdo that would spark Japan’s military interest in Dokdo. The survey by the Captain of the Warship Tsushima was sent to Vice Admiral Kamimura and the Director of the Hydrographic Department Kimotsuki as we will see.
Promoted to rear admiral on June 6, 1904, shortly before the Russo-Japanese War, Shimamura was made Chief of Staff of the 1st Fleet.
As Chief of Staff , Shimamura Hayao served in the same group as the infamous Commander in Chief, Admiral Togo.In command of the 2nd Fleet’s Second Battle Division, Shimamura was aboard his flagship, the cruiser Iwate during the Battle of Tsushima. The opinions of Vice Adrmiral Uryu Sotokichi were forwarded to Chief of Staff of the Combined Fleet Shimamura Hayao.
Kimotsuki Kaneyuki (肝付兼行), was a director of Hydrographic Department, and a mayor of Osaka, was born in Kagoshima (鹿児島) in 1853. Kimotsuki Kaneyuki devoted himself to a nautical surveys of Japan’s coasts. Concerning the selection of places of Imperial Naval Bases, the survey team led by Lieutenant Commander Kimotsuki carried out hydrographic surveys at Kure and Sasebo in 1883. As the head of the department, he had the authority to decide the locations of both commercial and naval ports.
It’s worthy to note, Kimotsuki Kaneyuki was instrumental in the application to ‘incorporate’ Dokdo by a private citizen named Nakai Yozaburo. You may notice the warship Tsushima’s survey above was issued to Kimotsuki on December 5th 1905 before Japan annexed Dokdo. This survey was undertaken for the sole purpose of constructing a military watchtower and radio communications outpost. Kimotsuki Kaneyuki would be sent the same Liancourt Rocks (Dokdo) survey as Vice Admiral Kamimura.
Kimotsuki Kaneyuki Guides Nakai Yozaburo’s Application to ‘Incorporate’ Liancourt Rocks
The Logbooks of the IJN Warship Tsushima
I post this map often on this website. It gives a visual reference of Japan’s military control over Korea during the Russo-Japanese War. It’s from Japan National Archives and I have labelled it in English for clarity. Note how Korea has been completely encircled by bases and watchtowers on her neighbouring islands.
This chart was produced sometime after Japan annexed Dokdo as the island is marked as Takeshima. The actual communication line would actually bypass Oki Island and connect directly to Matsue, Japan. Although Japan wanted to install watchtowers etc., in November of 1904, the harsh winter and heavy seas of the Chosun Straits would prohibit construction on Dokdo until at least the spring of 1905. The warship Hashidate would be involved in the installation of the facilities in the summer.
It’s worthy to note. In Commander-in-Chief of the Second Fleet, Kamimura Hikonojō’s report on how to control Korea’s adjacent waters, building military facilities on Dokdo was the third most important task of his nine point proposal. No less than 3 Vice Admirals were involved in this process. Even the Director of the Hydrographic Department Kimotsuki was issued the construction report before Dokdo was annexed. Kimotsuki was very instrumental in the location of naval bases across Japan since the inception of the ‘modern’ Japanese Navy in the late 19th Century.
The military activities on Dokdo were an integral part of the colonization of Korea. Kamimura Hikonojō makes no distinction between the military facilities to be built on Japanese or Korean territory such as Ulleungdo and Dokdo. These watchtowers and submarine cables were all part of Japan’s strategy to defeat Russian for the ‘right’ to colonize Korea.
This is made so clear by the quote of Tsushima Captain Takeo Sendo regarding the purpose of Japan’s Dokdo survey. “However, military needs still require such facilities, and this will help officials make the decision.”
