Page 12 - An Overview of Penghu

Preface by Ibara Isaburō, the author

I decided to publish An Overview of Penghu because I want to introduce the Island more broadly and in detail.
The cession of Penghu Island was the result of the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895). The Qing dynasty signed a
peace treaty (i.e., the Treaty of Shimonoseki) with the Japanese Empire in Shimonoseki, Japan on April 17, 1895,
ceding Taiwan to Japan. Article 2 of the Treaty stipulated the following: (i) The Qing government should
permanently cede the sovereignty of the listed land, as well as fortresses, weapons, factories, and other national
properties in the area, to Japan; (ii) Taiwan Island and its affiliated islands; (iii) Penghu Archipelagos, namely all
islands situated between Greenwich 120°0'N to 190°0'N and 23°0'E to 24°0'E.

Article 5 also stated that the two governments should send more than one delegate to Taiwan after approving
and exchanging the Treaty, in order to handle issues concerning the cession of Taiwan, within two months after the
approval and exchange of the Treaty.

After the approval documents of the Treaty were exchanged at Zhifu of the Qing dynasty (Qingdao in
Shandong Province) on May 8th, Admiral Kabayama Sukenori was assigned as the Governor-General of Taiwan,
the delegate in charge of taking over Taiwan. However, due to an attempted rebellion against the Qing government's
order by the former Governor Tang Jingsong, Qing's delegate, Lee Jingfang, implored our delegate to complete the
transition of authority on the sea north of Keelung on June 3rd. Since then we have reigned over Taiwan Island, its
affiliated islands, and Penghu Archipelago. However, before the transition, a troop led by Hishijima actually
invaded and occupied Penghu on March 23rd. These historical events should be passed down over time.

An archipelago amidst raging torrents, Penghu served as one of the fortresses positioned on the frontline of
national defense and was strictly watched over by Japan. Many had sacrificed or dedicated themselves to Penghu
Island during the 38-year Japanese rule over Taiwan, while remaining largely unknown. Alongside explanations of
historical relics and various scenic spots on the Island, this book also introduces those who devoted themselves to
the place, to whom I wish to express my gratitude, admiration, and reverence.

I am a retired soldier who served at the artillery battalion in Penghu for three years. After reaching the full
term of my military service, I opened a shop in Magong out of sympathy for soldiers and sailors living an unexciting
and seemingly-endless life on this lonely Island. I even received a certificate of appreciation from the Navy.
Hopefully, through the trial publication of An Overview of Penghu, I can shed light on the Island that people have
long been eager to know, while serving my country with humility and showing my gratitude.

It took two months to take photos, during which time I devoted much effort and overcame many difficulties. I
want to extend my appreciation to the Fortress Headquarters in particular, which allowed me to take photos for this
publication. Thanks to them, the photographer was able to capture all the requisite information on the islands of the
Penghu Archipelago with his camera without interrupting military activities. I hope readers can treat this book as
an epitome of Penghu and continue to cherish it even after they finish reading it.

I would like to pay tribute to, and thank, Rear-Admiral Suzuki Motonaga of the Penghu Fortress
Headquarters, Colonel/Chief of Staff Mito Shunzo of the Navy's Magong Guard District, Governor Honma Zenko
of Penghu Prefecture, Head Hanawa Inokichi of Penghu Prefecture's Police Affairs Section (Photo 8), and Governor
Miura Koji of Magong Town, for their guidance and assistance. If it were not for their help, I would not have been
able to publish this book.

Early autumn of 1932
Magong Town, Penghu
Author
Ibara Isaburō