Page:Stanley Kuhl Hornbeck - The Situation in China (1927).djvu/17

 Banditry is ever present in China, and rebellion in some part or parts of the country is almost a chronic condition. There would probably be civil warfare in China today even if there had been no foreign influence, even if there were no treaties. The late Manchu dynasty and Chinese officialdom have a heavy responsibility for the political chaos which prevails. The charge that the foreign Powers and their nationals are principally responsible for it will not stand. But to the kind of trouble which prevails in China today, the impact of the Occident gave the original impetus, and foreign Powers and peoples continue to make direct and indirect contributions. Foreigners constituted themselves China's tutors. Foreigners wrote the treaties. Foreigners took concessions in China. Foreigners financed various enterprises in China. Now, solicitous with regard to their privileges, their investments and their trade, some of them participate in the formation of Chinese political combinations and contribute to the successes or defeat of Chinese military leaders, their contribution and participation being determined by their view of the effect upon interests which they regard as vested. Thus, for example, notwithstanding the existence of a diplomatic agreement whereby the governments of the principal treaty Powers have agreed not to permit their nationals to sell arms to China, the Chinese find it possible to purchase from certain foreign sources, arms, munitions and equipment in any amount for which they are prepared to pay cash.