Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-12-14

in the Caribbean region turns upon the
Panama Canal. The canal was con-
structed not only for commercial rea-
sons but also for purposes Of defense
and OF military strategy of prime i'm
portance to this country. From the
moment OF its opening, therefore, it be-
came necessary for the United States
TO determine the best means Of protect
ing this formidable work, SO closely af-
fecting its own national security. since
in case Of necessity it would permit the
massing OF the two squadronS of its
grand fleet and assure the success of
defense operations in case Of attack by
. foreign power. This instinct Of self
defense and self protection indicated to
the United States the advisability of
acquiring certain degree of influence
over the region In which the canal is
located.
LATIN SUSPICIOUS.
This interest has been given an evil
Interpretation by many in Latin Amer
lea. The interest Of the United States
in maintaining order and aiding the
progress Of the Caribbean countries has
been taken in Latin America as a sign
OF Imperialism, as a desire to establish
a hegomony over the republics of Latin
origin. The United States has been
accused Of seeking the economic sub
lection OF these peoples OF undertaking
financial conquest Of them, of exercise
Ing political dominion over them. And
OF using the Panama Canal as a pre-
text for furthering its interests and
its pretenstons 1t Is not q mystery
how much this accusation, no matter
how unjustified it may be, has injured
the cause of better understanding and
closer relationship between the Latin
American nations and the United
States.
Even the mere announcement that
the Congress in Washington had voted
an appropriation for the study of the
Nicaragua Canals construction caused
alarm last year in certain Latin cir
Giles, where there is much disquiet as
to Uncle Sans policies in the Carib-
bean. The Central and South Ameri-
can press began to discuss the dan
gers" which a new United States canal
would bring not only to Nicaragua, but
to the Spanish-American countries in
general, who fear the possibility Of
American political predominance.
NOT A NEW IDEA.
The idea Of an interoceanic canal
through Nicaragua is not new. Before
the United States undertook the con-
struction Of the Panama Canal the
Isthmian Canal Commission recon-
mended that the canal be constructed
by the Nicaragua route, as 1t seemed
easier and less expensive, due to the
fact that the Panama Canal Co., OBJ
Grating with French capital, asked too
high price for the cession of its rights
and the work already started on that
route. However, as this company re-
duced its demands from $109, 900 900 to
SAC, 0OO, 900, the commission changed its
mind and proceeded to build the canal
across Panama.
In 1914 q treaty was signed by the
United States and Nicaragua by which
the latter country ceded to the former.
for the sum of $4,000, 900, the exclusive
right to construct and maintain an in
teroceanic canal by way of the San
Juan River and Lake Nicaragua or "by
any other route through Nicaraguan
territory"
Upon the provisions of this treaty,
which has been duly ratified by the
Congresses of both nations, the United
States bases its expectations Of con-
structing new canal in Central Amer
lea. This treaty was a triumph for
American policies, for although the
United States may not decide to build a
new canal, there are reserved to this
country the rights to the Nicaraguan
Canal, the exclusive possession Of which
rights no one can dispute.
Copyright. 1900