The China White Paper 1949(III)

After the US announced its Open Door policy towards China, there were several occasions that the powers did not care to heed. For example in 1902 Russia tried to press China for a privileged position in Manchuria.1 In 1903 Russia asked China for a bilateral convention which would have the effect of excluding all foreigners from Manchuria in setting up treaty ports and consuls except for the Russian.2 During the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-5, the Amercian restated that its policy to the two warring parties, and in an open statement, reiterated that "For its part, the US had repeatedly made its position well known, and has been gratified at the cordial welcome accorded to its efforts to strength and perpetuate the broad policy of maintaining the integrity of China and the 'open door' in the Orient, whereby equality of commercial opportunity and access shall be enjoyed by all nations. Holding these views the US disclaims any thought of reserved territorial rights or control in the Chinese Empire."3 After the Russo-Japanese War was ended, the Amercian helped the two warring parties to negotiate a treaty, and the Treaty of Portsmouth was singed in September 1905 in the US. According the China White Paper, one effect of this treaty was "the two signatories [pledged] to restore Manchuria to China and to observe measures 'which apply equally to all nations' in commerce and industry of Manchuria."4 (to be continued)

Notes:
1.United States, Department of State. The China White Paper-August 1949. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press, 1967, page 3.
2. Ibid., page 4
3. Ibid., page 5
4. Ibid., page 5