Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-03-10
BY CASTOR NERvAL,
Authority on Latin American Affairs

"HE United States today has new
President. In whas sense will
this influence the foreign rela-
lions of the northern republic?
So far as Latin America is con-
cerned. there are good reasons to be-
lieve that the change will be favorable
and beneficial to them.
At least, it so appears from existing
conditions surrounding Mr.. Hoover's
election to the presidency and the great
interest and optimism displayed by the
republics south of the Rio Grande In
his ultimate success.
And this optimism may be explained
readily, for the extraordinary qualities
of the man who has taken the reins OF
the Government are indeed guarantee
to security and progress. Also because
historical circumstances and the gen.
eral desire existing from one extreme
of the continent to the other in oblit-
Grating Misunderstanding and preju-
dices will aid materially the labors of
the new Chief Executive respecting
Latin America. And above all. because
Mr.. Hoover is in a position, truly privi-
legged to successfully deal with matters
affecting their mutual relations.
No other President in the history OF
the United States has found himself in
a more suspicious position to deal with
such matters than Mr.. Hoover. He Is
the first Chief Executive of the Nation
with whom the Latin Americans have
become personally acquainted.
Tour Aid to Relations.
The first to conduct tour of South
81 iy1
people, and discuss subjects of vital i'm
portance with its political leaders, there
by enabling him to appreciate, although
for a limited time, the various prob
lens, necessities and their ways OF
thinking.
This will aid him immeasurably to
better learn the true sentiments and as
pirations of the Latin republics. And
also to understand their views and poll
cies, which until now have been ignored
by this country, while those of the
United States were being misinter-
preted in South America. Moreover, his
goodwill tour of the southern republics,
the tact and good Judgment with which
he conducted himself and his amenable
disposition, have gained for himself
the personal friendship of many. Every
where he left admirers and adherentS of
his ideals.
Even old professional enemies of
the United States and other elements
who for many years had been censuring
the policies of the White House, thereby
hindering the cause of pan-American-
ism, willingly set aside all animosities
and submitted before the unerring at
titude of Mr.. Hoover. This remarkable
change, who knows but perhaps was
the result of their admiration for the
distinguished guest, rather than an adj
mission of the policies of the United
States.
His mission in Latin America, well
known Central American writer pointed
out with great wisdom, was to conquer
hearts" And indeed many hearts did
he conquer during his visit. Will he
know how to treasure them during his
four years of administration?
Policies Base Of Success Pointed.
The ultimate success of the policies
adopted BY Mr.. Hoover will lie:
In enduring that spirit of good will,
that friendly atmosphere and good dis
position which he has awakened in
them during his tour as President-elect.
And in preserving intact, through all
his administrative acts, that good feel
ing toward the United States just begin
ming to assert itself in the southern
countries, where the former was being
accused Of imperialistic designs until
recently.
To accomplish this, two things are
necessary, first, carry into practice his
promises of non-intervention in the in
ternal politics of the Latin republics,
to accord due respect to the small Gen.
trail American sovereignties, and I'M
root that fear of Yankee imperialism.
And secondly, that solution be found
to the various controversies now ex-
listing between the United States and
each OF the Southern republics. Much
will then be accomplished along the
problem of -Americanism. For
once this Is done, Latin America will
contribute the rest; that is to say, their
good will and cooperation which will
come as matter of course. Thus the
solution would be complete
Regarding the non-lntervention
policies of the United States. in Latin
America, MIR. Hoover will bear one thing
in mind: That during his visit in the
SpaniSh-Sp speaking countries, he was
more warmly greeted and praised when
he declared In his speeches that his
administration would not NEEDLE in
the internal affairs of other nations.
At no time during his tour was he
made the subject of greater ovations
and jubilant demonstrations than when
he announced that the policies of the
United States were not and would never
be imperialistic.
Addresses Win Favor.
His addresses in Ecuador and Central
America, as well as his statements to
the BuenoS Aires press advocating the
equality of the American nations, and
denying that the United States were
aiming to fill the roll of big brother
in Latin America, made an enormous
impression and constituted the success
of his unofficial visit.
Now that Mr.. Hoover is at the helm
Of the Government, he will remember
the great enthusiasm with which the
Latin people received his promises of
respect to the small sovereignties. He
well realizes that the most precious
aspiration of those people is their
political independence. He is also
aware that there exist certain misun-
derstandings which have created a feel
ing of distrust and suspicion of the
true intentions of the United States
toward Latin America.
Thus 1t may be assumed that during
his term Of Office, the new President
will do everything possible to avoid the
continuance or aggravation OF those
Misunderstanding. And he will dedi'
cate himself, without a doubt. Il
destroy that legend of Yankee impe'
rialism," which until now has been Sc
detrimental to Uncle Sam. II this L
done. half of the labor will have beer
ACCOMPLISHED