Evening star., 1923-08-31
CAllSU. s. SAFETY
M0NRoE'S OBJECT
Hughes Says Famous Doc
trine Imposes No Bar to Just
Latin American Aims.
By the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
MINNEAPOLIS Mimi. August 31.-
The Monroe doctrine was defined here
last night by Secretary Hughes as
embodying a policy vitality related to
national safety, inimical to no just
interest in Latin America or else
where. and IMPOSING no barrier to
wider international cooperation in
the promotion of peace and under
standing
Speaking before the American Bar
Association, the Secretary declared
that while the doctrine In no way
established "protectorate" over
other American republics. American
rights and obligations not specifical-
~ outlined by Monroe in his famous
message had sometimes made inter-
sention In some Latin American
states an absolute necessity. He re-
CARED that the right to intervene in
CUBA Is matter of record in the
treaty of 1904. although he added that
Ine united States would rather, If
possible, continue in its present role
Oh friendly adviser"
Called Defensive Policy.
Taking the doctrine as it has been
and as it is believed to remain" said
L utSlTG 10 comment
upon certain points which, as be-
!ieve' deserve special emphasis at this
First. The Monroe doctrine is not
pollcy or aggression; it Is a policy
or self-defense. 1t was asserted at a
time when the danger of foreign ae-
sression in this hemisphere a firm
oasls OF independent national life, and
we were menaced by threats of old
world powers directed against repub-
Iiean institutions. But the achieve
nents OF the century have not altered
the scope of the doctrine or changed
ton of the principle of national Sc
curIty. As such, it is obviously not
exclusive.
Second. as the policy embodied in
tne policy of the United States. the
government of the United States re-
serves. to itself its definition, inter-
pretatlon and application. This gov
eminent has welcomed the recogni-
tion by other governments of the fact
and Soundness of this policy and of
the appropriateness of its application
Makes Own Interpretation.
But the United States has not been
disposed to enter into engagements
which have the effect of submitting
TO any other power or to any concert
OF powers the determination either
of the occasions upon which the prin-
ciples of the Monroe doctrine shall be
invoked or the measures that shall
be taken in giving 1t effect. AS Pres
ldent Wilson observed: The Monroe
doctrine was proclaimed by the Unit
ed States on her own authority. It
always has been maintained and al
ways will be maintained upon her
own responsibility
This implies neither suspicion nor
estrangement. 1t simply means that
the United States is asserting sep
arate national right of self defense.
and that in the exercise of this right
v ~'ust have an unhampered discre-
tion.
third. The policy of the Monroe
doctrine does not infringe upon the
independence and sovereignty of 9TH
er American states. Misconception
upon this point is the only disturb
ing influence in our relations with
Latin American states. The decla-
ration of our purpose to oppose what
is inimical to our safety does not
imply attempt to establish pro-
tect3rate any more than a similar