Evening star., 1936-03-15


against American ENHANCEMENT, with
out sacrificing any general and legitl-
mate interest of the American people.
There now appears to have developed
a substantial agreement concerning
the anti-war embargo policy, particu'
larly between those Senators who have
resolutely opposed the League OF Ma
tions and propaganda for American
collaboration with economic sane
tions" and those Who theoretically at
least, favor it on the ground that
American isolation is an illusion and
that our non-co-operation has con-
tributed to armed international an
archy and emboldened anti-democratic
and military aggressors.
Needs for Strengthened Law.
In what respect should the new
neutrality policy be strengthened by
Congress and developed by the Execu-
tive as an American contribution TO
better organization of international
economic life against war and nulli-
fication Of arbitrary military and
naval power?
This question was put recently to
Senator William E. Borah, ranking
Republican member Of the Foreign
Relations Committee and for 80 years
active in foreign affairs and formula
ton of American public policy.
1--WE Americans" said Senator Borah,
"tend to be afflicted with feeling OF
inferiority when it comes to interna-
tional diplomacy. especially where the
British are concerned. Yet there is no
good reason for it. If We had insisted
upon our rights in 1916, against bel
ligerent molestation, we could have
preserved them and avoided the ne
cessity of abandoning our neutrality.
And II they fall to tearing out their
Evers again over there in Europe, we
shall be in a position to defend. and
largely determine, the civilization and
international law of the future-n We
mind our own business"
What do you really think about
this new neutrality law and policy?'
he was asked.
More Legislation Expected
ct think it is well understood" he
said. that the neutrality bill did not
represent the final or well-matured
views of the Committee on Foreign
Relations. Undoubtedly there will be
more legislation on the subject; un-
doubtedly there should be more legis-
lation. 1t represented what the men,
bers of the committee who were pres
ent, after much discussion, felt was
the best that could be done at this ses-
sion, and upon that basis it was passed.
I believe that it was the best that a
sincere committee could do with a
very troublesome subject"
1T marks a very great advance In
the matter of preserving the neutrality
of this Nation in regard to controver-
sizes in the Old World. 1t is a decided
advance. When we remember the
debate that took place upon that queS-
ton alone, about 1916, we recognize
how far We have progressed by pass
ing this joint resolution. There is no
danger Of our having any trouble with
belligerent forces, even should they be-
come enlarged, by reason of the ship
ment of arms. ammunition and imple-
ments of war from the United States.
That is as effectively disposed OF as
we could dispose of it in any legisla-
ton We might pass. And we have fur
ther eliminated the possibility OF the
belligerents securing any pecuniary aid
in this country. That is. indeed. an
advance.
so far Us future legislation is con-
cerned, the field is open. We may DO
what it seems wise to do. Let me say,
however, that I do not propose ever to
vote to take the protection of the
American flag from the American citi-
zen who is trading or carrying on COM