ABSTRACT
The British Government had decided upon a change in its foreign policy to enable it to cope with the situation which had arisen in the Far East. France was the ally of Russia in Europe, was opposed to British policy in the Far East and was at odds with Britain elsewhere. The position of the British Government, however, was different. British statesmen had not desired Weihaiwei as long as there seemed to be a possibility of dissuading Russia from taking Port Arthur and of maintaining intact their policy of Chinese territorial integrity. British fleet is on its way from Hong-Kong to the Gulf of Pechili."The British Government had been compelled to use a threat to achieve its end. The policy of Great Britain in China was no longer a free and independent policy. Russia had obtained Port Arthur and Talienwan, but had been unsuccessful in preventing Britain from acquiring Weihaiwei.
