Evening star., 1928-10-21
BY GASTON NERvAL,
lhE1s
Authority on Latin American Affairs.

4ue NeW Wol1u, Ody Oy Ody, dIldlIls
higher position, and its influence in
the political affairs of men is strength
ened in proportion to its cultural and
economical growth. The rest of the
world looks to this side of the Atlantic
for solution of its great political prob
lens. We cannot very we'll accept as
truthful the assertions made by many
writer's that the decline of Europe has
begun, but we do believe in the exist
ence of a new powerful influence in
the Western Hemisphere capable of
counteracting the political decisions OF
Europen countries, or perhaps of an
nulling them.
At the present time the United
States. which is enjoying that his
torfcal moment" which all nations
sooner or later reach, may be solely
identified as that great influence, but
not far off in the distant horizon may
be discerned the possible participation
of the American republics south of the
Rio Grande in further strengthening
this influence.
Today the importance of these re-
publics is purely moral one, but when
their economical and natural resources
have been properly developed their par
ticipation will unquestionably pe neces-
sary in order that the policies of
AIlETlCd IIIdy UG IGSdI Will ElCdL
weight by the rest of the world. In this
does the real value of pan-American-
ism consist-in paving the way for uni
f1cation and leadership. Because this
leadership cannot be accomplished so
long as there exist discomfort, rivalry
and opposition among the nations Of
the American continent.
The real hegemony of the New World
depends entirely upon pan-American-
ism When all these unfounded preju-
dices, and when the countries as far
north as Alaska and as far south as
Punta Arenas are guided by one COM
mon cause, the political preponderance
of this continent would then be an in
disputable reality.
This great significance or pan -Ameri-
canism vitality affects the United States.
If she disregards it, scorns its impor-
tance or does not care for the friend
ship and cooperation of the other
American nations, she will have diff
Guilty in devoting herself to that de-
velopment and growth which in a
peaceful manner are gaining for her the
dominion of the world.
The prejudiceS and anxiety enanating
from the South, would constantly ham,
per her labors and course of action. On
the other hand there is the feeling in
Yankee imperialism" may become
prevalent and this may provoke re-
dictionary feeling, solely Latin American
in character, against the principle of
pan-Americanism that is preached in
Washington. These prejudicial tenden-
cies which so greatly hamper the friend
ly relations of these nations must be
avoided, and the only way of avoiding
them would be by true, sound and eff
fective practice of the principle of pam
Americanism. Aside from having a
great political significance, pan-Amer-
jcanism has also a great economic sig
nificance to the United States, for it
offers excellent markets for the sale of
its products as well as for the invest
ment of capital with beneficial results.
South American Benefits.
In so far as the South American
countries are concerned, the benefits
derived from pan -Americanism are still
greater. BY accepting pan-American-
ism they become parties of that Aneri-
can hegemony which undoubtedly
would tend to better them economically.
BY taking advantage of the financial
benefits that would result from their
friendly relations with the United
States, today the wealthiest nation in
the world, the economic resources of
the Latin American countries would be
multiplied and their industries, as we'll
as their commerce, immensely devel-
oped. In addition, pan -Americanisn
would perhaps be just the incentive
needed to bring to an end their old
controversies and heated disputes over
boundary lines which have no doubt
caused their separation.
If it is we'll settled principle that
pan-AmericaniSm is highly beneficial
to all, If only good can be derived from
this policy, why then does it find ap-
position, why is it ignored instead of
encouraged? It is because pan-Ameri-
canism, like all new doctrines, is sub
iect to misunderstanding, preiudices
and misinterpretations of its true mean
ing.
Lack of a clear conception of economic
affairs, which has been caused by the
omissions of some and the susceptible
ties of others, is the main obstacle in
the realization of that principle. This
economical condition of affairs greatly
hinders the progress of the political
ideals of pan-Americanism. However,
It may be explained that the real cause
which underlieS such prevalent attitude
is one more of psychology, for the cri-
terion and ways of thinking of the
inhabitants of the South and the North
are entirely different and distinct
The problem in itself consists of three
factors so closely connected as to be
almost inSeparable-one is psychologi-
cal. another is political and the other
economic. If the solution to each one
of these factors is impracticable, the
true success of pan-Americanism would
be unattainable.
We have referred to the economic fac
tor as being the most important. And,
indeed it is, for in addition to being the
source from which many others have
originated, IL is by far of more vital
Importance in the solution of our daily
problems. In what, then, does that lack
of conception consist?
In Latin America, Of their misinter-
pretation of the true intentions of
American capitalists.
Viewpoint of MaIcontents.
The present malcontents have busted
themselves in provoking. among the
southern countries, that feeling of dis
trust and suspicion at the same time
that it attributes secret purposes to the
financial undertakings of the United
States. Almost daily you can hear the
phantom" of Yankee imperialism" be-
ing discussed. They visualize the North
as an unscrupulous business man whose
only aim is to accumulate wealth with
out regard to the means used for that
purpose. In the minds of these ele-
n1ents, the United States has no Other
aim than its own economic prosperity
sacrificing to that end all we'll founded
principles. According to them pan.
Americanism would be one of the mean:
of developing and fostering of the
United States economic Interest,"
throughout the continent. They believ,
that in the end, economic compromise
with the United States would jeopardiZ
the sovereignties of the Latin American
states and that behind these financia
interests lies the real menace of politi
cal predominance to which the debto
countries would have to submit. The,
o,,ey heliave that the Wall Street hank