Page:Stanley Kuhl Hornbeck - The Situation in China (1927).djvu/16

 Thus, notwithstanding the pledges made and the steps which have been taken looking toward their fulfillment, the simple fact remains that up to this moment nothing conclusive has been accomplished in reference to the general program of treaty revision (i.e. in reference to the old commercial and other treaties) for which the Chinese contended at Paris eight years ago.

The Treaty Powers have, however, done much during the past ten years toward giving up special rights and privileges. At Paris, the German and Austrian privileges (except Shantung) were surrendered back to China. At Washington (and immediately after), Shantung was restored; the foreign post-ofices were removed; negotiations were begun for restoration of Weihaiwei; provisions were agreed upon to ensure respect for China's sovereignty and discontinuance of foreign aggressions. Most of the Powers have either given up their rights in or remitted their shares of the Boxer indemnity. At Peking a real effort was made to solve the tariff problem. The Extraterritoriality Commission produced a substantial body of practical suggestions and recommendations. In January 1927 the Mixed Courts at Shanghai were turned over to the Chinese authorities. The foreigners at Shanghai have taken definite steps toward admitting Chinese to participation in the government of the International Settlement.