Apr. 7.
Dr. C. T. Wang's recently exessed belief that the discussions between the Chinese and British Governments, through their respective representative: fon the subject of extraterr toriality, would come to a satisfactory conclusion by the end of this month, could not throw much light on the actual course of the negotiations. The vague reference to "one or two vital points still unsettled" necessarily represented the limit of diplomatic expansive-_ ess. Nor would it be profitable to endeavour to give precision to the. expressions used. Dr. Wang has his own special difficulties. to encounter. probably was wise in relying on 4 comprehensive generality and recapitulation of his pr vious pronouncements regarding unilateral abolition. Ie has made it abundantly' clear that the Chinese Government are exceedingly anxious to come to' 4 definite decision. He perhaps: does not fully "realize that foreign opinion is also disposed to regard an early settlement as am exceedingly desirable consummation, "always assuming that it takes a form which any tlement should—that of a ceptability to both parties, At the present time the uncertainty over the question of the abolition of extraterritoriality hampering foreign no less than Chinese activities. The development of important mercantile schemes, the launching of ne enterprises, are being delayed, if not actually held up, owing' to the fact that the conditions under which they will have to be carried out are subject to the eventual solution of the problem which Dr. Wang and ix Miles Lampson have been thrashing out together in Nan-King, The chief need for the advancement of China's interests to-day is the restoration of trade activity. "The foreign community, og well as Chinese, do mot regard political issues' as transcending this. need in importance. Indeed, when all allowance has been made for the essential factors of political controversy, the public is apt to Took upon' "politics at this moment as an unnecessary ad tion to the handicaps of "trade.
more than one direction, serious harm is being done to industry and commercial undertakings by the too porsistent intrusion of political considerations. An example may be cited in the dispute i which the Kailan Administration "is involved, Coercion, based on political ambitions, would surely be the most unwise method of approach to that dispute. It may be said, without much fear of contradiction, that the merchant and trader to-day—of whatever nationality—would earnestly urge the politician to confine himself to his own sphere and to leave the country's commerce to work out its own salvation and, incidentally, the extrica: tion of China and_ the Govei ment from the parlous financial state into which, partly by the misfortune of, current world conditions and partly by. in-hented disabilities, they have been plunged.
Thus it is with the abolition of extraterritoriality; the issue flaunts itself like the death's head st a feast in whatever attempt is made to devel resources beneficial to. Chinese and! foreign cooperation. Dr. Wang is astute enough to know that the feelings thus. eng end ed lo not imply misapprehension of the gravity of the decision which the "two. Governments make, There can be no juestion—on the one cide or the other—of abandoning basic principles, Such a method of settlement would merely accent tuate present difficulties and do nothing to advance freedom of cooperation. Formulas can however be found where there ig a will to work to that end. There should be a formula' which would enable both sides to maintain the essential needs of their respective cases and, yet, hasten the time when bugbears could be red to_ their own sphere of action. The moment commercial "enterprise in. this country can be rid of the in-cubs of such problems as extraterritoriality, the more surely can the trader hope to establish with the market that oe Dr. thus perceive that the desire which he has at heart is no less strongly imbued in the minds of those who are not burdened, as he i the need for taking pol predilections into grave account. He will not deduce therefrom the notion that polities can have undisputed sway in the matter. He will more correctly arrive at the conclusion that the most expedient sf&p to take is that of subjecting political requirements to the most severe scrutiny. His aim then can, with much hope of success, be directed towards satisfying the conflicting views of politicians, thus leaving the less divergent interests of trade ti to. obtain recognition which ily be denied to them so long diplomatic endeavours have still to reach a settlement. The mere fact that he is able to speak so hopefully, is in itself a proof that he has already uppiled these principles with some effect, Let him not falter in their extension,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.