The New York herald., 1921-03-07
GENEVA ALSO WARNED
Shows Monroe Doctrine Is
to Be Enforced by I. s.
on Its Own Motion.
IMPORTANT PRECEDENT
Both Latin American Ministers
at Washington Issue Mild
Statements.
Special Despatch to THE NEW YORK HERALD
New York Herald Bureau.
Washington, ID. g., March 6.

New York Herald Bureau,
Washington, ID. g., March 6.
President Harding and Secretary of
State Hughes have centred the atten-
ton of the world on the foreign policy
of the new Administration by their
prompt and energetic action yesterday
in taking the latest Central American
war" by the throat.
The demand sent by the State De-
partment within a few hours after
Secretary Hughes assumed control
that Panama and Costa Rica stop
Iighting at once, backed by an order
sending warships to the theatre of
action, has caused the diplomatic
corps here to take notice. To-day
most of the diplomats are cabling to
their home governments their inter
pretation of the action in its bearing
upon the general policy of the Harding
Administration.
1t is confidently expected that within
the next twenty-four hours there will be
buzz of comment on the action of the
Harding Administration throughout
Latin America. 1t is also expected that
some of 1t will be adverse. Apparently
the Administration Is prepared for that.
believeing that criticism will be pre-
paratory to a better understanding of
the purposes and responsibilities OF the
United States under the Monroe Doctrine
and will be followed by increased respect
for the policies of this Government
Responsibilities Are Accepted.
Diplomatic authorities in Washington
regard the Administrators action as
indicating that the policy of watchful
waiting has been abandoned and that
responsibilities and duties are to be ac-
cepted under the Monroe Doctrine.
So far as guarded diplomatic comment
here would Indicate the European in
depreciation of the Administration new
Central American course will be made III
the light of President Harding's inaug-
ural declaration I'VE seek no part in
directing the destinies of the Old World"
1t has been generally accepted that
this statement carried with it the addi-
tional suggestion that Europe should
seek no part In directing the destinies of
the New World
It is recalled that President Harding
said that "a world supergovernment is
contrary to everything we cherish and
can have no sanction by our Republic"
Aside from the probably intended d.
rect reference to Article X of the cove
nant of the League of Nations contained
in this last sentence, Ii Is assumed here
he President may have had in mind
POSSIBLE supergovernmental functions by
the league on this side of the Atlantic
ocean.
It must be kept in mind that the clash
between Panama and Costa Rca elected
a message from the League of Nations
addressed to Panama and Costa Rica re-
minding them they are members of the
league and practically commanding them
on behalf of the league to compose their
differences within the machinery OF that
organization.
Administration officials are diplomati-
cally ignoring this action by the league.
Despite this attitude of lack of "off-
cial knowledge" of what has transpired
The virtual utimatum sent by the United
States to the two warning countries is
assumed to carry it's own warning to the
league and to make known the position
Of the United States relating to league
activities in the Americas
While the Administration is acting
upon the authority Of the treaty neeoti-
ated between the United States and
Panama for the protection of the canal.
n is realized that the scene of disturb
ance is a considerable distance from the
Canal Zone 1t is anticipated that the
criticism will be levelled at the United
States by anti-American propagandists
IN Latin America that Costa Rica Is not
threatening the canal and that as an
Independent nation she is acting within
her rights.
Arguments OF such specious nature
are TO be brushed aside apparently by
the new Administration, which purposes
dealing with realities. Among these Is
the fact that the Panama Canal imposes
certain responsibilities upon this coun-
try. involving a special interest In Cen
trai American affairs.
There also Is the plain notice TO CIV
tization that no alleged supergovern-
ment sitting at Geneva will be permitted
10 discharge tho duties. nor to assume
tho responsibilities, which this nation
acquired with the PRONUNCIATION of the
Monroe Doctrine. The course is regard
ed as bold one, but in the opinion Of
Republican leaders generally II is one
that should have been taken long ago.
No New Navy Orders Issued,
WASH rNoToN. March 6.-Following the
despatch of notes yesterday. calling on
Panama and Costa Rica to cease fight
ing along the border and adjust their
difference by agreement. no further or
ders for the use OF naval forces to en-
force compliance with the American de-
mands have been made public by the
Navy Department. Two vessels yester-
day received orders to make all speed
TO regions Off the Atlantic coast OF Pan
anna, prepared to Intervene IL such action
became necessary TO protect American
life and property. A large area in the
zone OF hosilities Is dotted with banana
plantations of the United Fruit Com
pany, an American concern.
Although neither during the day re-
ceived advices from their Governments.
diplomatic representatives Of both coun-
'ries gave out statements. Octavio
Beeche, the Costa Rican Minister, denied
hat his country contemplated war OF
conquest
Ricardo J. Alfaro, Panaman Minister
nf Government, who Is in Washington on
special mission. said his Government
Would consent to arbitration or her diff
serences with her neighbor using the
nrbitral decision Of Chief Justice White
AS n basis Of negotiations
The statement given out by the Costa
gican Minister said, in part
The Costa Rican Government has fur
nlshed full guarantees that Costa Rica
las no intention whatever to conquer
panaman territory nor to damage prom
erty. but Il does purpose 10 obtain that
nhich BY treaties and arbitra awards
1clongs To it,