The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-03-13
Argentina and the Monroe Doctrine.

The published text Of DR.. DRAoo's i'm
portant note shows how far that docu-
ment is from being a proposal for an
offensive and defensive alliance between
the United States and the Argentine
Republic for the resistance OF coercive
measures on the part Of European powers
attempting TO collect debts or alleged
debts from the Governments Of South
or Central America.
IL is easy TO understand why the
first erroneous reports Of the Argentine
approaches sent Baron SPEcK Won STERN
BURG in haste to the State Depart
ment. But no such proposal can be
read between or behind the lines Of the
Argentine Foreign Minister'S commune
cation. His note is mainly an able,
temperate and logical presentation OF
what is commonly known as the Calvo
doctrine that the law courts Of the debtor
nation should be the last recourse OF the
creditor or claimant, and that inter-
national law should not recognize the
principle Of debt collection by military
force. DR.. DRAoo further argues that
this doctrine il involved in, or is neces-
sary corollary to the Monroe Doctrine
itself. He accepts unreservedly on the
part OF the Argentine Government the
Monroe Doctrine as proclaimed and held
by Us, and communicates to Secretary
Hay his views as to the desirability OF
attaching the Calvo doctrine thereto;
and he conveys through Minister GARCIA
MERoU an expression Of his hope that
these views may find acceptance at
Washington.
Now, there il nothing novel in the
general theory enunciated by DR.. DRAoo.
It has long been a favorite tenet OF South
and Central American diplomatists, 1t
figured largely in the politics Of the Pan
American conference at Mexico City,
and II il entertained even by many citi-
zens Of the United States. There il
much TO commend II to the reasonable
mind, irrespective Of geographical or
political considerations.
Secretary HAT was never wiser, how
ever, than when he refrained from either
aoquiescing in or dissenting from the
propositions Of the Argentine Minister
concerning the manner in which the
Monroe Doctrine ought to be interpreted
with regard TO debts to Europe.
The Government at Washington. ws
arc sure. will welcome every overture
from South or Central America that
promises an increase In amity and COM
munity OF interest on these oontinents.
or that indicates . growing disposition
in the IAtin-American republics 10 oon-
hde In our disintsrested friendship. The
United States viii be glad when the
Monroe Doctrine 10 part Of the rcooG-
nized creed 1t every American capital
But a. the nation chiefly responsible
for the enforoement OF tbs Monroe Doc
trine, both for our own security and for
the benefit Of our neighbors and frisnds.
the United States Government must oon-
tinue IN decide for itsen. - occasion
arises. when the doctrine 10 appAoAbIs
and when u u not
This cannot 10 done Aosdsmioally In
advans Zach oAss must II decided
on its own msnu. A wholesss, un-
reserved Acceptance 81 the interpretation
recommended by Dr. DkAoo. fof ss.
Ampls. might easily commit w 10 the
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