Evening star., 1923-03-27
FLETCHER READS
HUGHES MESSAGE
Secretary Tells Pan-Ameri-
can ParIey Good Will Is
Necessary to Amity.

Mere formal arrangements between
nations are futile in the absence of
good will, Secretary Hughes stated in
a message to the fifth pan-American
conference at Santiago, Chile, delivered
today by Ambassador Henry p. Fletcher,
head of the delegation from the United
States. Mr.. Hughes therefore urged
that nations set themselves forcibiy to
the task Of removing every remnant of
suspicion, distrust and hatred and
earnestly seek the cure for their Ills,
which, he said, is found only in friend
ship and good faith.
Secretary Hughes message follows:
Text of Hughes Message.
"It is with the deepest regret that 1
have found 1t impossible. in accordance
government of Chile. to attend the
opening OF the fifth pan-American con-
ference, and desire to extend my most
cordial greetings to the representatives
Of the republics of the western hem
iSphere, who have assembled on this
auspiciouS occasion.
AT time when we witness the
economic dislocation. the waste and
impoverishment and the distrust and
hatred that have resulted from the
great war, we have abundant reason
to congratulate our peoples that
peace reigns in this hemisphere. and
the meeting of this conference af-
fords a welcome opportunity to ded-
icate ourselves anew to the ideals Of
peace.
Futility In Recognized
Present experiences reinforcing
the lessons of history, cause fresh
recognition of the futility of mere
formal arrangements in the absence
of good will. and. however important
may be the special topics Of discus
sion, the permanent value of the con-
ference lies in the fact that here are
generated powerful currents of mutual
understanding. friendly interest sup
plying the motive power through
which any remnants OF suspicion and
distrust may be removed and the in
furious influences OF earlier antago-
nisms may be overcome.
'All problems find solution among
those who desire to be friendly and
just. and the present imperative de-
mand of civilization itself is that ma
tions shall set themselves. with ali
the resources OF their intelligence
and skll. to the elimination of
sources Of controversy. and shall
earnestly and diligently seek, for
their manifold ills. the cures which
can only be found in friendship and
good faith.
Sees Mutual Co-Operation.
"In this conference of American re-
publics 1t is sought not only to but
tresS the foundations of amity, but to
take full advantage of its oppor-
tunities. Our intimate economic rela-
tions require many advantageous ad-
juStments which our fortunate rela-
tions make possible. The conviction
which has led to these gatherings is
that OF a distinct community of in
terest among the republics of this
hemisphere. 1t is no prejudice to
other interests wisely to conserve our
own. These republics. each appro-
priately safeguarding its sovereignty
and independence. voice the sentiment
canism-the sentiment of mutually
beneficial cooperation.
Proud of Traditions.
There are happily no controversies
among US that cannot be settled by
the processes of reason. No interest
is cherished which could prompt ag-
gression. There is no nation among
! US which entertains any ambition
| which runs counter to the aspirations
of our free peoples. We rejoice in an
expanding life; we are each proud OF
| our traditions and achievements: we
all desire the development of re-
sources, increased facilities of educa-
mon lot OF humanity. This conference
| means the practical direction of our
material and spiritual forces to gain
! for all the American republics the en-
| hanced prosperity which waits on the
! friendly collaboration Of states secure
| in their recognized equality, in their
| mutual respect and in the supremacy
| of the common sentiment of justice
"I trust that your labors may have
! the happiest results"