Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-01-16
Principle of Self-Defense Is Made Basis
Of Committee Report Approving Treaty

may. and frequently does, extend In its
effect beyond the limits of the terri
torial jurisdiction of the State eXercis-
ing it. Since the Monroe Doctrine is a
declaration based upon this Nations
right of self-protection, 1t cannot be
transmitted into joint, or common
declaration by an American State or
any number Of them.
1T is to be observed that in reference
to the South American governments as
in all other respects, the international
right upon which the declaration ex-
pressly rests is not sentiment or SYM
pathy, or claim to dictate what kind
of government any other country shall
have. but the safety Of the United
States
ut is because the new governments
cannot be overthrown by the allied
powers without endangering our peace
and happiness, that the United States
cannot behold such interposition in any
form with indifference - Hon. Elihu
Root, July, 19l4)
Characterized by Three Principles.
"There are now three fundamental
principles which characterize the policy
of President Monroe as it was and as
it is.
First, the Monroe Doctrine was a
statement of policy originated and
maintained by the reason of self-inter-
est, not of altruism
Second, it was justifiable by reason
recognized principle of international
law
Third, it called no new rights into
being. Therefore, whenever it over
steps the principle of self-defense, rea-
sonably interpreted, the right disap-
pears and the policy is questionable be-
cause it then violates the rights of
others. The Monroe Doctrine
is based upon the right of self-defense.
This is the first law of nations as of
individuals. "-tProf Theodore Woolsey,
June. 19l4.)
The committee further understands
the treaty does not provide sanctions,
express or implied. Should any sigma
tory to the treaty or any nations ad-
herring to the treaty violate the terms
of the same, there is no obligation or
commitment, express or implied upon
the part OF any of the other signers OF
the treaty to engage in punitive or
coercive filea SureS as against the ma.
ton violating the. treaty. The effect
of the violation of the treaty is to re.
lieve the other SignerS of the treaty
from any obligation under it with the
nation thus violating the same.
Report Interprets Treaty.
In other words, the treaty does not.
either expressly or implicitly, contem-
plate the use of force or coercive
measures for its enforcement as against
any nation violating it. 1t is a volurl-
tary pledge upon the part of each
nation that 1t will not have recourse
to war except in self-defense, and that
1t will not seek settlement of its inter-
national controversies except through
pacific means. And If nation sees
proper to disregard the treaty and vio-
late the same, the effect of such &C.
ton is to take it from under the
benefits of the treaty and to relieve
the other nations from any treaty re-
lationship with the said power.
This treaty in no respect changes
or qualities our present position or
relation to any pact or treaty ex-
listing between other nations or govern
ments.
This report is made solely for the
purpose of putting upon record what
your committee understands to be the
true Interpretation of the treaty, and
not in any sense for the purpose or with
the design of modifying or changing the
treaty in any way or calculating a
reservation or reservations to the same.