Evening star., 1938-03-17
Text Of Secretary Hu % United Sta Foreign Policy

The full tert Of Secretary OF
State Hull's pro1ouncement OF for.
et0n policy before the National
Press Club today tollosus:
In the course Of the daily press
conferences at the Department OF
State, I have occasion to see many OF
you and to touch upon day-to-day
developments in our foreign relations.
Such information as I am able to give
you in these conferences must, of
necessity. relate to specific questions
and, oftentimes, to isolated events.
Yet upon you, representatives Of the
press. rests a heavy responsibility in
keeping our people currently and ae-
curately informed on the vital issues
which arise in our countryss rela-
tions with other nations. I welcome,
therefore, this opportunity to meet
with the members of the National
Press Club in the calmer atmosphere
of an occasion like the present one,
and to discuss with you some Of the
fundamental conditions and problems
presented by our international rela-
tions and our foreign policy.
The primary objectives Of our
foreign policy are the maintenance of
the peace of our country and the
promotion Of the economic, the So
cial and the moral welfare of our
people. Unfortunately, the means of
attaining these objectives involve to-
day so many factors of great CON-
plexity that their real significance Is
frequently misunderstood and misin-
terpreted.
BY instinct and tradition, our coun-
try has been, throughout its history,
sincerely devoted to the cause of peace.
Within the limitations imposed by
time and circumstance, we have
earnestly sought to discharge our re-
sponsibilities as member of the
family of nations in promoting condi-
tions essential to the maintenance Of
peace. We have consistently believed
in the sanctity Of treaty obligations
and have endeavored to apply this
belief in the actual practice Of our
foreign relations. In common with
all other nations we have, since the
end Of the World War, assumed a
solemn obligation not to resort to
force as an instrument of national
policy. All this gives us q moral right
to express our deep concern over the
rising tide of lawlessness, the growing
disregard of treaties, the increasing
reversion to the use Of force, and the
numerous other ominous tendencies
which are emerging In the sphere Of
international relations.
Public Statement
OF Last July Recalled.
On July 16, 1887, I issued q public
statement, setting forth the fullda-
mental principles to which our Gov
ernment adheres in the formulation
OF its foreign policy. On behalf Of our
Government, transmitted q copy of
this statement to every government
IN the world, requesting such COIN
ment as each might see fit to offer.
To our profound qualification, an
overwhelming majority of those gov
ernments joined in Affirming their
faith in these vital principles.
The most important Of these prin-
ciples, which are indispensable to q
satisfactory international order are as
follows:
Maintenance of peace should be
constantly advocated and practiced
All nations should. through volun-
tary sef-restraint, abstain from use
OF force in pursuit Of policy and from
interference in the internal affairs OF
other nations.
All nations should seek to adjust
problems arising in their international
relations by processes of peaceful ne
gotiation and agreement.
All nations should uphold The r-in-
ciple of the sanctity of treaties and
Of faithful observance Of international
agreements.
Modification of provisions Of trea-
ties, when need therefore arises, should
be by orderly processes carried out in
a spirit of mutual helpfulness and &C.
commodation.
Each nation should respect the
rights OF others and perform scrup-
ulously its own established obligations
in brief. International law and the
spirit which underlies it must be re-
vitalized and strengthened.
Steps should be taken toward pro-
motion Of economic security and sta