| Stanley K.Hornbeck,American professional diplomat,is a famous expert on the research of China.In the early 20th century,Hornbeck had an important impact on the American policy toward China.Hornbeck lived in China for nearly five years,he paid close attention to China's situation,with which he influenced the American policy toward China.From 1929 to 1933,the United States had a serious economic crisis,and the world order had been challenged by many unrest factors.In this case,as an important policy maker and implementer of the American policy toward China,Hornbeck's attitude had been influenced by his life experiences in China,the domestic situation in the United States and the situation in China.Therefore,Hornbeck always adhered to what he considered the national interests of the United States,and he was convinced of his own policy recommendations.During this period,on the Far Eastern policy of the United States,only President Roosevelt and Secretary of State Hull exerted more influence.But neither Roosevelt nor Hull didn't have an in-depth understanding of the Far Eastern affairs,so Hornbeck's cognition and suggestions played an important role in the formation of China's policy.His policy recommendations had been favored by the President and the Secretary of State several times.This article takes Stanley K.Hornbeck as the starting point,discusses his policy as a secretary of the Far Eastern Division,and studies his influence on the American policy toward China.From Hornbeck's thoughts and behavior,we can clearly understand the American policy toward China throughout the 1930s and even the U.S.Far Eastern policy direction.After the outbreak of the Manchuria crisis,Hornbeck's attitude became hesitant.Hornbeck analyzed the cause of the incident,from the proposed solution can be seen,Hornbeck was a stalwart guardian of the open door policy.He didn't advocate unilateral action,but also opposed the United States to participate in the League of Nations to discuss the crisis.Then he advocated the policy of inaction and redefined the non-recognition doctrine of Stimson.Later,when faced with Japan's crazy behavior in China,Hornbeck promoted economic sanctions,recommended the preparations for the navy and hoped to improve relations with the Soviet Union.American inaction attitude contributed to Japan's blatant aggression.When Tanggu agreement signed,it was a period of relative peace.During this period,Hornbeck gradually moved away from his open door policy.While he believed that a strong and independent China would be able to better serve the interests of the United States,he still opposed the United States to give China assistance.Because he feared that this could lead to a war between the United States and Japan.Therefore,Hornbeck no longer insisted on the idealized open door policy and advocated for implementing the policy of good neighbors.In this case,Hornbeck gave his advice to the policymakers:on the one hand,advocating abandonment of inaction policy;on the other hand,taking a negative attitude to Japan's invasion problem.Hornbeck believed that a country can speak softly,should also take a big stick at the same time,and hoped that situation would improve in the long run.After the July 7th incident,in the face of China for help,Hornbeck showed a wait-and-see attitude.He suggested moral calling for a truce between China and Japan,and refused to joint conciliation.In order to avoid the United States bearing the risk of conflict with Japan,he advocated independent action.These appeasement attitudes encouraged the invasion of Japan.As the war expanded,Hornbeck realized the importance of helping China and advocated moderate policy.Besides,Hornbeck suggested a comprehensive protection of US citizens in China and opposed to adopt legislation.Later Hornbeck's attitude reversed from constructive peace to the comprehensive sanctions.At the same time,he suggested considering an embargo on Japan.As the international situation becoming more and more complicated,Hornbeck continued to look for the positive policy of the Far Eastern for the sake of American national interests and national security.During this period,the change in Hornbeck's attitude was important to the development of the international situation.Throughout the period of Hornbeck's attitude towards China policy:when the Manchuria crisis broke out,Hornbeck hesitated;The July 7th incident broke out,Hornbeck's attitude back to reality,he opposed the United States to aid China and adhered to the policy of non-intervention;with the war expanded,the international situation.became worse,Hornbeck realized the importance of helping China and advocated the strengthening of naval forces;when Hornbeck realized that the war was inevitable,he began to turn to China and suggested the United States to improve relations with the Soviet Union,so that the United States can make good use of China and the Soviet Union to contain Japan.But it was too late,the outbreak of the Pearl Harbor incident marked the long-standing failure of the Hornbeck's policy,and also indicated the failure of the American policy toward China. |
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