The Coconino sun., 1923-12-14


ers, reserving to the decision of our
own judgment the time, the place, and
the method. We realize the common
bond of humanity. We know the in
escapable law of service.
Our country has definitely refused
to adopt and ratify the covenant of
the League of Nations. We have not
felt warranted in assuming the re-
sponsibilities which its members have
assumed. ! am not proposing any
change in this policy; neither is the
senate. The incident, so far as we
are concerned, is closed. The league
exists as a foreign agency. We hope
it will be helpful But the United
States sees no reason to limit it's own
freedom and independence of action
by joining it. We shall do well to
recognize this basic fact in all nat
ional affairs and govern ourselves ac-
cordingly.
World Court
Our foreign policy has always been
guided by two principles. The one is
the avoidance of permanent political
alliances which would sacrifice our
proper independence. The other
is the peaceful settlement of con-
troversies between nations. BY ex-
ample and by treaty we have advo-
Gated arbitration For nearly 25
years we have been member of The
Hague Tribunal, and have long sought
the creation of permanent World
Court of Justice. | am in full accord
with both of these policies. favor
the establishment of such court in
49, III L. IL Il
That is, and has long been, an Amer
lean policy.
Pending before senate is a proposal
| that this government give its support
to the permanent court of Internal
ional justice, which is a new and
somewhat different plan. This is not
a partisan question. 1t should not as
sumo an artificial importance. The
court is merelysa convenient instru-
| ment Of adjustment to which we coulc
go, but to which we could not be
brought. 1t should be discussed with
entire candor, not by a political, but
| by a judicial method without pressure
and without prejudice. Partisanship
has no place in our foreign relations.
| As | wish to see a court established,
and as the proposal presents the only
practical plan on which many nations
have ever agreed, though it may not
meet every desire, / therefore COM
mend it to the favorable consideration
Of the senate, with the proposed res
ervations clearly indicating our re-
fusal to adhere to the League of Ma
tions.
Russia
Our diplomatic relations, lately so
largely interrupted, are now being re-
difficulties. We have every desire to
see that great people, who are our
traditional friends, restored to their
position among the nations of the
earth. We have relieved their pitiable
destitution with an enormous char
| ity. Our government offers no OBJ
lection to the carrying on of COM
merce by our citizens with the people
of Russia. Our government does not
propose, however, to enter into rela-
tions with another regime which re-
| fuses to recognize the sanctity.o of in
| ternational obligations. ] do not pro-
pose to barter away for the privilege
of trade any of the cherished rights
of humanity. | do not propose to
make merchandise of any American
| principles. These rights and princi-
pies must go wherever the sanctions
of our government go.
But while the favor of America is
not for sale, | am willing to make
very large concessions for the purpose
of rescuing the people of Russia. We
have every desire to help and no de-
sire to injure. We hope the time is
near at hand when we can act.
Debts
The current debt and interest due
| from foreign governments, inclusive
of the British debt of $4,60O,0O0, 900,
vor the cancellation Of this debt, but
| see no objection to adjusting it in
accordance with the principle adopted
for the British debt. Our country
would not wish to assume the role of
an oppressive creditor, but would
maintain the principle that financial
obligations between nations are like
wise moral obligations which internat-
ional faith and honor require should
be discharged.
Our government has a liquidated
claim against Germany for the ex-
| pense Of the army of occupation of
over $255,O00000. Besides this, the
mixed claims commission have before
them about 12,500 claims of Ameri-
can citizens, aggregating about ST.
| 225,000,000. These claims have al
| ready been reduced by recent decis-
| ion, but there are valid claims reach
| ing well toward $500,O00,00O. Our
| thousands Of citizens with credits due
them of hundreds Of millions of dol
| lars have no redress save in the act
ion Of our government. These are
very substantial interests, which it is
the duty Of our government to pro-
tect as best it can. That course |
propose to pursue.
1t is for these reasons that we have
direct interest in the economic re-
covery of Europe. They are enlarged
by our desire for the stability of civ
ilization and the welfare Of humanity.
That we are making sacrifices to that
end none can deny. Our deferred in
| terests alone amounts to million dol
lars every day. But recently we of
fered to aid with our advice and coun-
/ cal We havn roiforafnd any dncirn fn