Evening star., 1939-02-19
II Other statex and canad,
Member Of the Associated Pres.
Understanding for Peace

Understanding for Peace
The Star prints today historical
symposium on the origin and purpose
OF the Monroe Doctrine. 1t COM
mends this material to the attention
OF readers as exemplifying the bene-
f1cial effect of constructive under
standing with friendly power. The
1nnuence OF the famous pronounce
ment of 1923 was and continues to
be helpful. In similar circumstances.
like development now might help
to preserve the peace among nations
Tor which all men pray.
There are large numbers of pa
tr1otic American citizens who sim
cerely believe in policy of complete
isolation for their country. They
have faith in the capacity of the
United States to survive and prosper
without association with any other
power. Independence in the full
meaning of the word is the corner
stone of their philosophy and the
policy which expresses it.
There are others, as fully desirous
OF peace as the most ardent isola-
zionist, who disagree with such policy
because they believe it impractical.
They are not necessarily interna-
ttonallstS who believe that Americas
mission is to save the world or to pull
other peoples chestnuts out of the
fire. Far from being altruistic ideal
lists with their heads in the clouds,
many OF them are actuated by the
purely selfish belief that the interests
OF the citizens of the United States
are best served by the achievement
Of informal and fully publicized un-
derstandings or agreements, directed
to existing conditions, with other
nations whose aims and interests
now are in line with our own.
The maintenance of peace being a
common objective, the uncompromis-
ing isolationists are convinced that
complete isolation alone can preserve
peace-if not abroad, at least at
home. They feel, in all sincerity,
that any alliance or understanding
or agreement with any foreign power
places American peace in jeopardy.
But 1t is not difficult to argue that,
nodded In part by partially dis
torted conception of Americas his
toric role in foreign affairs, the COM
plete 1solationist is short sighted;
that reliance on isolation as a policy
Is more hazardous than an alert will
1ngness to face the facts.
While George Washington wisely
warned against permanent alli-
iances," he specifically advocated
Temporary alliances that our ma
tional interests might require. He
definitely foresaw, and his prescience
In the matter has been demonstrated,
that this country would face crises
In which definite understandings
with friendly powers would be essen
tial to American interests.
The professional isolationists, some
Of them not unmoved by political
considerations, are busily creating q
clamor of opposition to any under
standings between America and any
foreign power. Washington's ira
ditional but sometimes misquoted
warning" the Monroe Doctrine and
Americas devotion to peace are used
again as the foundations upon which
to erect barrier to any understand
ings with any foreign power.
In this critical time, it should be
remembered that American foreign
policy, neither as originally conceived
nor as practically applied, in any way
rejects agreements that are deemed
wise In Americas interests. And it is
wise to consider whether peace for
this Nation cannot best be main
tained by frank acknowledgment
through understanding on the part
Of all concerned that America is def
nitely, selfishly and realistically SYM
pathetic to all democracies threat
ened by totalitarian aggression.
It thatfis made plain without pos
sible misunderstanding, and notifi-
cation given that America is prepared
to protect its own definite, selfish
and realistic interests in such fashion
as seems wise and expedient, it is
believed that the cause Of peace is
more ably served than by a policy
which piously hopes that If we do not
entangle ourselves, nobody else can
entangle us in the fast-moving events
Of troubled world.
N..L>x%