Em Outubro de 1853, o comodoro Matthew C. Perry ancorou perto de Macau, no âmbito da sua missão de abertura do Japão ao comércio com os Estados Unidos. Pouco tempo antes, em Julho, Perry tinha entrado na Baía de Edo (atual Baía de Tóquio) com uma frota de navios para entregar uma carta do presidente Millard Fillmore, exigindo que o Japão abrisse os seus portos ao comércio americano. Após este contacto inicial, Perry deixou o Japão para dar tempo ao governo japonês para considerar o pedido e preparar-se para o seu regresso. Durante este intervalo, Perry ancorou nas proximidades de Macau e noutros locais da região, preparando-se para regressar ao Japão, um regresso que culminaria com a assinatura do Tratado de Kanagawa, em Março de 1854.
Nas imagens uma carta escrita em Macau pelo Comodoro Perry a 20 de Outubro de 1853. Na época Perry e a comitiva encontraram-se algumas vezes com Sarah, mulher de um comerciante dos EUA e que deixou um diário recentemente descoberto.
Na carta escrita a bordo do US Flagship Mississippi, o Comodoro Matthew C. Perry dirige-se aos reverendos Dr. House e Dr. S. Mattoon para sondarem a possibilidade de uma futura missão diplomática ao Sião (actual Tailândia). Tendo em vista a conclusão da sua missão no Japão, Perry pretende modificar e expandir o tratado existente entre os Estados Unidos e o reino do Sião, mas procura agir com prudência para evitar uma rejeição que prejudique as relações entre os dois países, tal como aconteceu numa tentativa anterior liderada por Mr. Ballestier. Para esse efeito, o Comodoro solicita aos missionários que auscultem discretamente a disposição do Rei do Sião e dos seus conselheiros. Esta sondagem deve ser apresentada como uma iniciativa pessoal dos próprios missionários, informando as autoridades locais de que Perry possui plenos poderes para negociar, mas que só viajará até Banguecoque com as suas fragatas a vapor se tiver garantias de uma recepção favorável. Perry sugere ainda a ideia de incentivar o Rei a enviar um dos seus melhores navios aos Estados Unidos com oficiais para estudar as instituições americanas, citando os exemplos bem-sucedidos do Sultanato de Mascate e do Império Otomano. O Comodoro conclui explicando que enviou o documento em duplicado por correios diferentes para garantir a sua chegada, esperando que um convite oficial do Rei viabilize o início formal das negociações.
Transcrição:
US Flagship Mississippi
Macao October 20th 1853.
Rev.d Dr House.
Rev.d Dr S Mattoon
Dear sirs
Our friend the Rev.d Dr Parker of Canton informs me of his having written to you, with reference to a contemplated visit of mine to Siam, after I shall have accomplished my Japan mission.
He has doubtless intimated to you my desire to obtain some accurate information, as to the probability of a favorable reception by the King of Siam of any propositions, I might make, for modifying and enlarging the Stipulations of the present Treaty, between the United States and that Kingdom; and of inducing the King to send one of his finest ships to the United States, in charge of some of the most intelligent of his officers, that they might examine into our institutions, religious, civil, military, and commercial, and take back with them an account of what they shall have seen, as furnishing evidence of the advantages, that Siam would derive from a free and mutually liberal intercourse with us.
I am well aware of the impolicy of taking any steps in this business, until I can learn of a certainty, whether the King and his advisers would receive my proposition with favor, and be disposed to enter into friendly negotiation.
Another failure following that of Mr Ballestier, would put our relations on a worse footing than they now are, and this is the object of my addressing myself to You, to ask as a particular favor, that You would, if it be at all practicable, ascertain the feelings and disposition of the King and his Counselors, with respect to any diplomatic visit, I might make to Bankok.
These inquiries should be made, as if emanating directly from Yourselves as Americans, and well wishers of a more friendly understanding between the two Countries; You might say, that You have been credibly informed, that Commodore Perry has been charged with full powers to negotiate with Japan, Siam, Cochin China, and other Eastern Nations, but he is not disposed to make any advances towards Siam, until he is well assured, that such friendly demonstrations would be met in the same frank and liberal spirit, that the United States as a Nation is very powerful, and any rejection of proffers made by an accredited Ambassador of that Country, would if treated cooly, give great offence, that a reciprocal treaty with a nation of such vast commercial resources must result to the advantage of the weaker power; and if Commodore Perry could have sufficient proof from any authentic source, that a visit from him with one or more of the splendid Steam Frigates, he has under his command, would be favorably received, he would doubtless go to Siam, and pay his respects to the King. —
When at Galle in Ceylon in March last, I saw a Siamese Sloop of war at that Port, and was visited by her Captain, and some Buddhist Priests, who were on a pilgrimage to a Temple near by; I sent the Second King of Siam, the one who speaks English so well, a trifling present; since then a Siamese vessel at Whampoa has at the request of her Captain, been assisted by one of my Ships; these little acts are proofs of our friendly disposition towards the Siamese; and I feel assured, that if the King would send one of his Ships whether with cargo or not to the United States, the result would be most gratifying to him. —
The Sultan of Muscat sent some years ago a sloop of war to our Country, and her officers were treated with great kindness and distinction, the same with respect to an officer, sent a short time ago by the Sultan of Turkey to the United States.
If the King of Siam determines on despatching one of his ships, whether on a voyage for observation, or commerce, or both, it will give me pleasure to offer my services in every possible way, to facilitate so desirable an object. —
You will, my dear Sirs, readily understand the motives which actuate me in this delicate business, and whilst You are acting seemingly to effect some object desirable to Your own wishes, You may be the means of obtaining such information, as will make a visit of mine of great advantage to both Nations. If it were possible to bring about an invitation from the King, that I should visit Siam, negotiation would follow as a matter of course. —
I send a copy of this letter to each of you gentlemen; and by different mails in the possibility of the miscarriage of one of them.
Very respectfully
Your obedient Servant
M. C. Perry
Commander in Chief U.S. Naval Forces
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