ABSTRACT
In a review of the previous year, the Chinese Recorder proclaimed at the beginning of 1926:
China has passed in 1925 from passive revolution to national aggressiveness. China has found herself. The Chinese have made up their mind. That makes a new situation for the world … . One outstanding feature of 1925 is the kaleidoscopic change in political and Christian opinion with regards to the international treatment of China … . Diplomatic, and to a somewhat lesser extent commercial interests, have also registered a change of attitude. No one sees just where this change of opinion will ultimately lead. It indicates, therefore, a real venture of faith in China. That is encouraging! 1
The change of attitude registered here would become even more solidified throughout 1926. Previously, the FO still seemed somewhat tentative in moving forward with its retreat from China, but 1926 saw a steady consolidation of opinion and support for the government’s espoused policy and also more willingness on the part of the government to advance its policy. The government faced complex problems with the continuation of the boycott, the difficulties and ultimate failure of the Tariff Conference and the steady advance of the GMD in the Northern Expedition, along with the domestic general strike. Yet, instead of causing policymakers to question the wisdom of the policy of conciliation, these events helped to affirm policymakers in their resolution to proceed along the lines of eschewing force for friendship.