Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-02
he Brazilian Move for a Pam-Am@Ficam Solidarity

disturb the peace Of South America
This comes back to Germany ana tne
possibility of her seeking to esta oiisn
States, England and France would be
a unit in guaranteeing protection to
Brazil against such scheme: me
United States alone would not De lslt
to go to war to vindicate the Monroe
doctrine.
In the background of the Brazilian
project there remains the idea OF sub
stantial independence of Europe, not
only of enemy Europe. as embodied in
Germany and Austro-Hungary; but also
of friendly Europe. There Is nothing
impracticable in this idea
When the United States adhered to
The Hague convention 1t was with the
reservation that distinctly American
questions were not to be submitted for
adjustment by European powers. When
Secretary Root secured the admission
of the Latin American countries to The
Hague this understanding was main
tanned
Some of the representatives of the
Latin American countries put The
Hague conference somewhat aoack by
their readiness to offer suggestions for
the settlement of questions which Were
very largely European. Many of the
delegates, however, were profoundly
views on the big subjects were re-
The International joint high commits
sion created by the Pan-American
financial conference held In Washing
ton in the spring of 1915 at its meet
ing in Buenos Aires covered some OF the
ground included within the scope of the
Brazilian proposition. 1t Is still in full
Havana of the American Institute of
International Law some American
principles in regard to neutrality were
enunciated, with a special recognition
isphers do not necessarily accept the
position of European countries.
These declarations afford some basis
for adjustment with the principles out
lined in the Brazilian measure.
Recognizing that the bill introduced
in the Brazilian chamber of deputies is
still the expression of an aspiration. 1t
nevertheless is possible to anticipate
some progress toward its realization.
The first step necessarily will be rap
procurement between some of the big
republics of South America which have
been drifting apart.
The "A. b. c." alliance. which came
into being when President Wilson
sought the aid of other Latin American
countries in settling his Mexican trou-
bIes did not become a permanent al
lance, Notwithstanding that prelimi-
nary treaties were negotiated by Bra
I'll. the Argentine republic and Chile.
This was Just as well. because no mat
ter how disinterested the motives of
the principals were the other and less
strong South American countries per-
sisted in regarding the alliance as a
menace to themselves. They also re-
scented the assumption that the three
countries named were the only ones
to be taken into consideration in de-
termining South Americas influence in
world affairs.
While the failure to form the alliance
on a treaty basis may not be regretted,
any actual drifting apart of the "a.
B. c." countries in regard to interna-
tional affairs would be n misfortune.
Brazil declared herself so strongly in
relation to Germany. taking a position
far in advance of Chile and the Argen-
tine republic. there have been signs
which, If they do not indicate drifting
apart. certainly do not make for unity.
! It was reported from South America
that Chile and Argentina have shown a
tendency to act together. This is all
right so long as joint action does not
!. involve them in antaRonism to Brazil
and to other South American countries
, which have severed all relations with
Germany. Discussion of the proposed
parliamentary union. even criticism OF
some of its provisions. may help to
ciettr the atmosphere III ooutn AIneTlCd
The United States is certain to feel
friendly interest in the Brazilian as
= piration. although no official expression
! of opinion may be called for. When
. the pan-American conference met in
! Rio. in 1906, the Brazilian government
r named the building in which the SEES
/ sions were held 1.-The Monroe Palace
in compliment to this country. Ever
n since then Brazilian national policy has
g been to keep close to the United States
= This policy has been affirmed in the
0 thoroughness with which Brazil has
a co-operated with the United States ir
t the war with Germany. 49,. -