Evening star., 1933-03-05
LATINS WATCH ROOSEVELT
STAND ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Hope Radical Changes Brought About by
Hoover and Stimson Will Be Upheld
by New Regime in Washington.

the Monroe Doctrine. The new inter-
probation holds that, as originally in
tended, the Doctrine states case Of
the United States versus Europe, not OF
the United States against Latin Amer
ica."
Finally, tie fourth innovation came
about when the State Department, in
conjunction with the Latin American
diplomatic representatives at Washing
ton, announced the extension to the
Western Hemisphere of the theory of
non-recognition of territorial gains by
force
Although the occasion chosen to make
this announcement was very untimely
one, the far-reaching consequences Of
this policy are not difficult to foresee
whenever it IS appropriately invoked
There is no reason to believe that the
Democratic administration which has
just come into power, will abandon these
changes, SO cheerfully welcomed by
Latin America. The Democratic plat
ence In the affairs Of other nations" and
"co-operation with the nations Of the
Western Hemisphere to maintain the
spirit OF the Monroe Doctrine"
These pledges Of the Democratic
party, and the liberal and progressive
ideals Of the new Chief Executive, seem
to give sufficient guaranty that the
new administration will not only safe
guard the salutary changes mentioned,
but will also carry them further and
fill the gaps and imperfections still
outstanding
AS for the second question-how will
the new administration deal with the
Latin American problems pending to-
dou0-nop ny,lv ho aI I,yyv1
In two previous articles, only a few
weeks ago, they were discussed at
length in this column. Briefly, they
may be summarized as follows:
War in the Chaco. For almost eight
months the armies of Bolivia and
Paraguay have been battling for the
possession Of the vast, almost unex-
plored Chaco lands, with the United
States playing an important role in the
so far successful peace negotiations.
The latest peace formula failed two
months ago because Of Paraguay's fiat
rejection and the withdrawal Of her
representatives from Washington.
New Doctrine at Stake.
War in Leticia. Since the seizure
OF the little Colombian port Of Leticia
by Peruvian irregulars, the controversy
between Colombia and Peru has been
growing more and more serious. To-
day, in spite of efforts by the State De-
partment, the League Of Nations and
the governments Of other American re-
publics, regular troops of both countries
are in open hostilities. Here the Hoo
ver-Stimson doctrine of non-recognition
of territorial gains by force is at stake.
Embargoes Of arms and munitions to
belligerent nations. This question,
given unusual significance by recent de-
velopments in the two conflicts just
plicated by stern opposition in Congress.
Renewal or abandonment OF the
Central American treaty Of 1928, BAR
ring revolutionary governments. Two
OF its signatories have just denounced
it. The United States is not party
to the treaty but it has followed the
policy embodied in it and declared its
intention to abide by its provisions. IN
so far as the Central America countries
are concerned.
RECOGNITION, in this connection, or
on-recognition of the Martinez regime
of Ell Salvador, IN power since Decem-
ber, 1881.
The Haitian problem. Withdraw
of Marines and a new settlement Oh
the debt owed to the United State.
which is responsible for the presence
in the small island republic OF the
last remnants Of Uncle Sans armed
interference.
Legal and political differences with
Panama, growing out of the 1903
treaty, which gave the United Stat
the right to construct the Canal O.
has of late been sharply criticized b.
Panama.
The Cuban situation. Maintenance
Of the non-intervention policy adopted
by Secretary Stimson or acceptance OF
the intervention pleas sponsored by op-
ponents of the Machado regime.
Finally, the third question has to do
with the larger, and more practical,
problem of tariffs, which Is justly
blamed for much of the unprecedented
decline in inter-American trade during
the last three years. Their exports be-
ing, almost in every case, their major
source of income, the high rates OF i'm
port duties sanctioned by the Hawley-
Smoot tariff act, caused the Latin
American countries much harm and
provoked widespread resentment In
their financial circles.
Latins Are Confident.
But now the Latin Americans are
confident The Democratic platform
condemned the high protective policy
now in force and advocated reciprocal
tariff arrangements" to revive the flow
of international trade. And Mr.. Roose-
welt, in his campaign speeches, included
promises of tariff revision.
A proof of the sincerity of his
promises may be found in the appoint
ment of Senator Cordell Hull, Congress
sional champion of low tariffs, as his
first Secretary of State. This appoint
ment, and the earlier pledges of Demo-
cratic leaders, give the Latin Americans
assurances of a fairer treatment in the
customs houses of Uncle Sam.
The good will Of Latin America to-
ward the new administration will hinge,
then, on these three major issues:
l. Preservation of the new Latin
American policy" of the State Depart
ment;
2. Cooperation in the solution Of
pending and immediate Latin American
emergencies; and
3. Revision of customs tariffs.
BY the manner in which these issues
are confronted, the Latin Americans
will be able to decide whether the new
deal has been ex,snded south Of the
Rio Grande
Copyright. 1889