Evening star., 1934-04-15
HOPEFUL SIGNS EVIDENT
ON PAN.AMERICAN DAY
Friendship of Two Americas Strength
ened-However, Internal Affairs of
Southern Neighbor Still Uncertain.

States Haitian relations standing,
especially those concerning foreign
supervision Of Haitian national
finances, it was a considerable i'm
provement of the unfortunate posi-
ton in which the island republic had
been placed by previous admiaistra-
tions.
Real Test for Policy.
Late in the Summer came the real
test for the good neighbor" policy.
Revolution and counter revolutions in
Cuba, where the economic interests
of the United States are greater than
in any other Caribbean nation, raised
the question of intervention. There
certainly was as much reason to in
tervene with armed forces in Cuba
last year than at any of the previous
interventions in Latin America. As
matter of fact, more, because only
in Cuba by means of the Platt amend
mentor in Panama-could such in
tervention be justified on legal
grounds
In spite Of that, President Roose-
velt sternly refused to land Marines
On Cuban shores. He chose, instead,
preventive course of protection by
dispatching a number of vessels to
Cuban waters. Though even this
display of force may be reproachable
from a strict Interpretation of inter-
national law, it is undeniable that
the reluctance of Washington to land
troops in Cuba and TO restore domes-
tic peace by violence marked a dis
tinct change in United States policy
in that part of the world.
This change, involving far greater
respect for Latin American sovereignty
than previous administrations had
shown. was bound to create a very
favorable impression on the other side
OF the Rio Grande. 1t is pity that
the subsequent conduct of the United
States-particularly in the non-recog-
milton of Grau San Martin and the
hasty and obviously partial recogni-
ton of Mendieta-should have dis
PEELED much Of that good impression.
At the end of the year came the
seventh Pan-American Conference at
MOntevideo. We have already de-
voted a number of columns to the
criticism of the Montevideo parley,
and to contrast its utter failure i'll
practical accomplishments with its
strange and widely advertised success
in moral and psychological results.
Let us merely repeat here that from
the point of view of real Pan Ameri-
canism, it was a great disappoint-
ment. particularly because of the
many opportunities for actual and
important progress which were ne
elected. But from the point of view
of understanding and friendship be-
tween the United States and Latin
America-that is, the Pan Ameri-
canism" of which we are at present
speaking-it may be reasonably called
a success" -
The good neighbor" policy, the
changed attitude of the United States
and the personality and able diplo-
macy of Secretary Hull gained the
confidence and good will of the Latin
American delegates at Montevideo.
1t is in this sense that Montevideo
can be listed on the credit side of
the popular version" Of Pan Amer
icanism.
Other Influences.
Other items in the list may be
mentioned: The presidential pro-
nouncement last December that "the
policy of the United States will be.
from now on. one opposed to inter-
vention"; the recognition of the
Martinez Government of El Salvador:
the new deal'' pledged to Panama
after the visit to Washington Of Presi-
dent Arias and the good disposition
shown to President Vincent of Haiti
to help him bring about a more lib
eral arrangement Of Haitian financial
obligations toward the United States.
All these are substantial gains in
Pan Americanism, if by Pan Amsri-
oanism is meant the harmony and
understanding prevailing between the
United States and Latin America.
And, obviously it could only BE this
kind of Pan Americanisrs. that called
for celebrations and cong, atulations
last night at the Pan-American
Union.
(Copyright, l934)