Mr. Hughes on Tuesday - laid before the - Conference a resolution -- designed
to make " the open door "'in• China- a• fact rather than ' " a mere motto." The Powers, by this resolution, were to bind themselves not to seek any " general superiority of rights," or any monopoly or preference that might " frustrate the practical application of the principle-of equal opportunity." The engager ment would not apply to " such properties or rights as might be necessary to the conduct of a particular commercial, industrial or financial undertaking." Would this exclude, for example, the Shantung railway ? The Powers would establish a Board of Reference to examine questions arising out of the agreement and, if the parties consented, to consider existing concessions. The resolution raises highly important and difficult issues, for it appears to involve the revision of the numerous concessions which China has made to the Powers and to foreign capitalists.
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