ABSTRACT
The Yamagata ministry which had presided with caution over the Boxer emergency was replaced on 19 October by Yamagata's rival, the experienced Marquis Itō. Some wanted Itō himself to assume the portfolio of foreign minister, while others wanted him to appoint Hara. The genro, Matsukata, suggested Katō Takaaki for this office, because of their Mitsubishi connection. Certainly Katō was not unqualified because of his service as minister to Britain from 1895 onwards. Moreover, he had made a success of his diplomacy in London, which was then the major diplomatic capital in the world in Japanese eyes. But, at forty years of age, he was young; he lacked diplomatic experience at the Tokyo end; and he had also been consistent in taking a moderately anti-Russian line. This need not have been important in itself; but his appointment was something of a paradox because Itō was renowned for his soft line towards Russia and for seeking detente with her. This led Kato into inevitable disagreements with the prime minister.
