ABSTRACT
The prevailing conception of the "open-door" policy is well expressed in the words uttered in the same debate by Mr. Harcourt, the leader of the Opposition. In asserting the "open-door" policy she no longer conveyed any political or territorial implications. In the Emperor's view the "open-door" policy had already been knocked on the head by the facts. That is what we understand by the policy of the open door. A consideration of the foregoing indicates what was the policy of the British Government which Mr. Balfour had set forth. Common sense dictated to them the acceptance of a policy similar to that which the others had defined—the sphere policy. The British Government stated its readiness to admit German participation in the concession, since this was entirely in accordance with the policy it was pursuing.
