Concerned about the “spheres of influence” being established in China by European powers which posed a threat to American trade with China, Secretary of State John Hay formulated an “Open Door Policy” in which all parties would have equal rights to trade in China. This 17-page document includes the correspondence with key foreign powers seeking their agreement to the policy. While the responses stopped far short of agreement, Hays chose to interpret the lack of disagreement as acceptance. The final communication is Hay’s fill in the blank communication intended for each government confirming that the condition had been met that all the governments were in agreement and that the policy was in effect. Fearing the possibility of war over Chinese interests, the foreign powers acquiesced. The Policy remained in place until the mid-20th century. Disbound.

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Condition: A

Very clean with a hint of toning. Disbound.