「自出機杼」的創舉：論清末民初外交中的「國電」

An 'Original' Creation: A Study on 'Guodian' in the Late Qing-Early ROC Period Diplomacy

「國電」是清政府仿照近代西方外交中的國書所創設的一種外交文書。它濫觴於甲午戰爭期間，並在此後的晚清外交中頻繁使用，也被民國外交沿襲，甚至載入公文工具書之中。在使用過程中，「國電」的政治意味逐漸淡化，轉而承擔禮節性職能。「國電」是國際法中未曾規定的公文格式，這樣的創設並不是清政府深思熟慮的成果，而是一時權宜的產物。它並不意味著清政府對國際法已經能夠「舉一反三」，恰說明清政府對國際法還只是一知半解。清政府在重大對外交涉中對「國電」一用再用，也反映出當時外交思想的幼稚。北京政府外交對它的沿用，則體現出一種慣性或傳承。

'Guodian'('National Telegram') was a type of diplomatic documents that Qing Government adopted from credentials in the modern western diplomacy. Originated first during the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895, 'Guodian' was frequently used during the late Qing diplomatic activities. Later it was also adopted by the Republic of China Government, and was even listed in reference books of official documents. Meanwhile, 'Guodian' also evolved from a political tool to serving ceremonial functions. In fact, 'Guodian' was never given a definition in international law. Its role in China during that time was merely a product of expediency with no careful deliberation by the Qing Government. Also, using 'Guodian' indicated Qing's lack of knowledge about the international law system, rather than suggesting that Qing Government was able to bring International law into play creatively. The frequent use of 'Guodian' by Qing during important diplomatic activities reflected its naïve thoughts about diplomacy. On the other hand, adopting 'Guodian' by the Peking Government(1912-1928) was inheriting old habits from the past.