Evening star., 1936-03-12

two nations, bound together by such
a tradition of international amity,
should stand in the way Of the others
utilization Of its share Of such a great
common resource when such use be-
comes desirable or necessary to its eco
nomic progress. It is certain that a
plan of development is feasible which,
while enabling each nation to meet its
requirements. will not demand Of the
other any undertaking with which 1t
feels itself unprepared to proceed.
Delayed by Economic Fears.
Let us be realistic and frankly face
the fact that delays have not been
due to any failure Of negotiations 10
reach an accord among the four SOW
ereignties involved-the Federal Cow
ernment Of the United States, the Do
minion government of Canada, the
Province Of Ontario and the State Of
New York. Delay has sprung, rather,
from fears of economic harm to spe-
cial localities or to special interests,
which I have always believed are
grossly exaggerated, and especially
from opposition based upon the fact
that the power available in these
boundary waters is publicly owned and
will be generated and distributed.
under existing laws, by public agencies
in both Canada and the United
States.
Provision for the public use of
st. Lawrence power was made under
a contract between the Dominion
government and the Province Of
Ontario in 1889. A similar accord.
also contingent upon ratification Of
a treaty. was reached between the
United States Corps of Engineers and
the Power Authority of the State Of
New York, and upon my recommended
tion was ratified in 1888 by the
United States House of Representa-
tives. Considering all the elements
involved, am more than ever con-
vinced that means can be found to
go forward with the development on
terms that will serve public require
ments.
The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence pro-
ject is in keeping with the spirit Of
the times and with the policy Of
cooperation now firmly established
on this continent.
More than 100 years ago the
United States and Canada set the first
successful example in disarmament
by withdrawing ships of war from
the Great Lakes. Today these ma
tions, each respecting the complete
sovereignty of the other, share an
international border of 5000 miles
without a single fort along its entire
length. Recently the two nations took
prompt action to effect reciprocal
trade agreement by which prohibitive
barriers to mutually beneficial COM
merce across this frontier have been
removed.
In the light of these accomplish
ments, agreement upon the construc-
ton of useful works to serve the
needs of both countries should present
no insuperable difficulties. This is
especially true when we consider that
these works will enhance the useful
ness Of the substantial improvements
already made by each country as
integral parts of a seaway. already
complete over most of the distance
from Duluth-Superior to the Atlantic.
And we must remember that equal
navigation rights are guaranteed to
both nations over the entire system
under treaties which are in force to-
day. r
For the United States and Canada
to demonstrate the full value of such
a policy on a frontier that spans
a continent would contribute immeas-
urably to security and progress in the
Western Hemisphere.
With the win to cooperate present,
I feel we may look forward confidently
to the early undertaking to this pro-
ject on terms acceptable to the two
great neighboring nations.
(Signed)
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT. !