Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-01-10
Revising a Policy.

Prof. Raymond Leslie Buell., research
director Of the Foreign Policy Associa-
ton. comes forward with the suggestion
that President Coolidge proclaim. either
a. Havana OF II message 10 Congress.
new intervention policy for this coun-
try based on the promise that before
intervening anywhere in Latin America
the United States will consult the gov
e-rine board Of the Pan-American
Union. Prof. Buell. adds that the
United States need not be bound By
the advice Of this board; its only obliga-
ton should be that Of consultation" He
points out that IN response 10 demands
from the outside world the United
States may al times be forced to resort
TO intervention. But he does not believe
that the United States should remsin
the sole Judge Of the necessity for in
PREVENTION. Criticism Of this country
would be lessened. he believes, were re-
Eponsibility for making the decision
divided between the United States and
the Paa-Ame-lcan Union.
II is not believed that the American
Government will find any great merit
IN such suggestion. The policy Of
the United States in Central America
has been dictated by necessity, and is
not founded on sentiment 1t has been
pursued not with the idea Of escaping
criticism. but with the aim Of protect
ing our own interests and the interests
Of foreign nations which. by modern
Interpretation OF the Monroe doctrine.
must keep hands Of. Our interests in
the Caribbean are not confined to the
investment OF American capital. but ex-
tend TO the protection Of trade routes
and strategic points necessary for the
national safety. Our policy has been
pursued with the hope that commercial
development and the stability Of govern
ments in Central America and the Car
3bbean ultimately viii void any need
for further interference Until that
time has arrived the United States viii
ind ii necessary in the face Of bitter
criticism. TO enact the role OF an en-
hattled peacemaker: a role which at
times assumes the aspect OF DICTATOR
ship. And its position in the world pro-
hioits the United States from seeking
20 divide responsibility for its actions.
Il must choose its own course.
There In not much comfort in Prof.
Buell's suggestion Of the Pan American
Union as an agency upon which the
United States may lean for support In
Determining It's pan-American policy.
The governing beard Of the Pan-Ameri-
can Union is made Up OF the American
Secretary Of State. the director general
and the diplomatic representatives OF
the American republics IN Washington.
Such board is not constituted for the
discussion or decision OF pan-American
political questions. The success O. the
Pan-Anler:csn Union ia the past has
been due 70 !tS ass!duous avoidance Of
political questions. Once il leaves It's
chosen fed 10 enter the field OF inter-
national politics. much Of its value will
be lost. It's aim IL the past has been 70
perfect agreements. II would become q
cnosce medium for disagreement. II the
time has come when the American
policy ia Central America must be dis
c'asse6 by Latin America. Let there be
called 8 special conference with that
Object n view. Il would be unwise 10
:eoDsEo1ze the success Of the Pam
American Union. or OF the forthconl.
trg conference Of American States in
Havana. by attempting 70 make o!
ether ar open forum for the airing Of
views regarding the merits and de-
merits Of the foreign policy Of the
United States.