Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1920-01-02
CANDIDATES FOR
NOM|NA TON ARE
To BE QUESTIONED
Borah Writes LoWden That
Attitude of All Toward the
League of Nations Must Be
Disclosed Frankly.


Washington, Jan. Intention OF
republican senators opposed to the
league of nations to request all repub-
lican presidential candidates to place
themselves on record as to the issue
involved in the league, was disclosed
tonight by Senator Borah, republican,
Idaho, who made public a letter ad
dressed TO Governor Lowden of Illi-
nois, an aspirant for the republican
nomination.
Governor Lowden was asked to say
whether he favored ANY policy of
alliance, league or partnership"
to abandon our traditional for
eign policy and enter into under
standings and combinations which
would embroil us into all European
conflicts and turmoils."
Those for whom | speak" Senator
Borah said, have no intention of con-
fining these and similar questions to
yourself"
Declaring that the question and
policies involved must come before the
next administration, regardless of
Americas entrance into the league,
the Idaho senator said the personal
views of presidential candidates should
be stated
No Entangling Alliances.
For nearly 150 years" said the
senator's letter, 1--WE have in this
country, regardless of parties, ad-
hered to a distinct foreign policy--no
entangling alliances or partnership
With foreign poWSfs and no interfer-
ence by foreign powers in American
affairs. If you should be nominated
and elected president, would you exert
your influence and the influence of
your administration to maintain this
foreign policy, or would you consent
in any way to its abandonment or its
substantial modification?
Senator Borah charged in his let
ter that powerful European and Am
erican interests were cooperating to
draw the United States into European
affairs, through the league of nations
if possible, and, if not, "by secret and
tacit agreements"
Will Have Ta Meet Issue.
81 ask these questions because, re-
gardless of what may or may not be
in the platform, the next admins
tration will have to meet this issue in
different ways. Powerful forces in
this country cooperating with equal
ly powerful and persistent forces in
Europe, are determined to draw the
United States into association and
partnership with European powers
to embroil us in all European tur-
moils and conflicts, to utilize our
young men in policing the territories
and lighting the racial and dynastic
battles of the old world and placing
upon our tax payers the burden of
the financial and economic life of
both Europe and Asia, and these
forces will continue their effort to
bring about these things after the
election. If they cannot do it in one
way, they will do it in another. If
they cannot succeed by open agree
ment, they will endeavor to succeed
by secret or tacit agreements. We,
many of us, feel. therefore, that we
would like to know what your views
are upon this problem and what it
will be your purpose to do should you
be honored by an election as presi-
dent"
Russian Policy Denounced.
Senator Borah said American OPP
erations in Russia were in violation
of the constitution and against the
wishes of the American people, but in
furtherance of a secret agreement
made in Versailles.
"This is but an intimation." Mr..
Borah continued, "of what is to hap
pen should we conclude to abandon
our traditional foreign policy and en-
ter into understandings and combina-
tons which would embroil us In all
European conflicts and turmoils. Our
young men would be asked to sacrifice
their lives in just such secret and un-
considerable affairs as this in Russia.
And Mr.. Taft, l understand from his
public statement, is in favor, IL nee
essary, of conscripting our young men
for that kind of service.
Are you in favor of any such poll
icy or of any alliance, league or part
nership which may lead to such
program? What is to be your policy
with regard to such affairs?"