Hugh Fraser (diplomat) facts for kids

Hugh Fraser (born 22 February 1837 – died 4 June 1894) was an important British diplomat. He worked for the United Kingdom government in different countries. In the late 1800s, he served as the top British representative in Japan. This role was called the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary.

Early Life and Education

Hugh Fraser was born in Kent, England, on 22 February 1837. His father was Sir John Fraser, a knight, and his mother was Lady Selima Charlotte Baldwin. The Fraser family came from Balnain, a part of Clan Fraser in Scotland.

Hugh followed in his father's footsteps by attending Eton College. He studied there from 1849 to 1854. Eton is a very famous school in England.

A Career in Diplomacy

Hugh Fraser began his career as a diplomat very young. In January 1855, when he was almost eighteen, he started working in The Hague. This was his first step into the world of international relations.

He then moved to different cities around the world. He worked in Dresden, Copenhagen, and in Central America. Later, he served in Stockholm and Rome. These early roles helped him gain experience.

Working in China

After getting married, Fraser and his wife traveled to Beijing, China. There, he worked as the Secretary of the British Legation. A "legation" is like a smaller embassy.

For two years, he was the Chargé d'Affaires. This means he was in charge when the main British Minister, Sir Thomas Wade, was away.

Moving Around the World

Fraser continued his diplomatic journey. In 1879, he was transferred to Vienna, Austria. Then, in 1882, he moved back to Rome.

His next big role was in 1885. He was appointed as the British Minister in Santiago, Chile. This meant he was the main British representative there.

UK Minister to Japan

Hugh Fraser's most important role began on 1 May 1889. He was appointed as the British Envoy to Tokyo, Japan. He led the British Legation in Japan during a very important time.

He played a key part in talks that led to a new agreement. This was the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Commerce and Navigation, signed on 16 July 1894. This new treaty replaced an older, unfair one from 1858.

The older treaty was called an "unequal treaty." It gave foreign countries special rights in Japan, like "extraterritoriality." This meant foreigners were not subject to Japanese laws. The new treaty helped Japan become more independent. It removed these old burdens.

Personal Life

The grave of Hugh Fraser in Tokyo, Japan.

On 25 June 1874, Hugh Fraser married Mary Crawford in Italy. Mary was the daughter of a famous sculptor, Thomas Crawford. She was also the sister of a well-known author, Francis Marion Crawford.

Mary Crawford Fraser became an author herself. She wrote several memoirs and many fiction books. She became quite famous for her writing.

Hugh and Mary had two sons:

• John Fraser (1875–1931)
• Hugh Crawford Fraser (1876–1915)

Hugh Fraser passed away in Tokyo on 4 June 1894, at the age of 57. He was still serving as the British Envoy to Japan. His funeral was a big event. Many important people attended, including Japanese government officials and other foreign representatives.

He was buried in the foreigners' section of the municipal cemetery in Aoyama. Newspapers in Japan wrote about his death. They praised him for being fair and kind. They said he earned the respect and love of everyone who knew him.

See also

• List of Ambassadors from the United Kingdom to Japan
• Anglo-Japanese relations
• Foreign cemeteries in Japan