On Monday Mr. Pritchard Morgan moved the adjourn- ment of
the House in order to call attention to the fact that our representative at Pekin is supporting the demand of Italy for "a sphere of interest" in Chinese territory, with Sanmun Bay as a naval base. Mr. Pritchard Morgan argued that our policy was the "open door" as opposed to the policy of "spheres of interest," and therefore we ought to support no other Power in getting a naval base and the inevitable hinterland and " sphere of interest." Mr. Brodrick in reply pointed out that Italy was a friendly Power, and that if she could get concessions out of China we should "welcome her success." We should also, by diplo- matic means, support her. On this Mr. Courtney expressed his regret that we were encouraging instead of advising Italy against a foreign adventure that must prove injurious to her finances. In answer, Sir Edward Grey very sensibly pointed out in effect that one Power will not take that kind of advice from another, and that Italy must be allowed to play her own game in her own way. Personally, we are sorry to see Italy run any oversea risks, but her great and very natural desire to develop her mercantile marine makes her anxious to play a certain part in the China seas. And why should we prevent her playing that part ?
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