The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-01-13


break - How does It go into
effect What would be the adj
vantages and disadvantages of
such move? Is it legal? Is it
normal? Would it probably or
inevitably lead to more drastic
steps-even war;
The breaking off of diplomatic
relations is quite permissible under
international law and International
practice. There is nothing illegal
about such move.
\ nation has no legal obligation
to sustain uninterrupted official
intercourse with any other nation
through normal diplomatic cham
nels. Still less has any nation any
obligations TO keep up intercourse
with nation whose conduct is
considered reprehensible or in vio-
lation of the rights of the first
party.
But, because breaking off of
diplomatic relations is so drastic.
blunt and announcement. it is con-
sidered abnormal. So drastic an
action is rarely resorted to by civ
ilized nations especially between
two major powers.
1t is an act which is looked upon
as an "affront.' 1t is an act
which serves also as a peremptory
warning of the anger of the Of
Tended nation that it is unwilling
to discuss further through normal
channels the points at issue
Breaking off diplomatic rela-
tons is not IN ITSELF a form of
reprisal, since it is not intended to
inflict direct injury upon the Of
Tending nation, which is point
about which there is much popu-
+ lar misconception in America.
: But it may serve as a warning
I that the row between the two
states has reached the point where
the injured party considers diplo-
matte relations no longer profita-
bic and is about ready to take
active measures of self-help.
Rupture of diplomatic relations
between MAJOR nations is sell
dom resOrted to because of its
serious nature. 1t is often a pre-
lude 10 war. Americans, be they
members of the unknown public or
leaders OF the government, might
do well to remember that tho
United States was At WAR with
Germany in 1877 TWO MONTHS
after breaking off diplomatic rcla-
tiOns.
On the other hand, however.
severance of relations may lead to
nothing more dangerous than eco
nomic difficulties between the two
countries. Sometimes relatio are
suspended over issues which are
+ both trivial and amusing.
A year ago. Great Britain sew
cred diplomatic relations with
Mexico on account of the oil con-
troversy. Economic relations be-
tween the two countries have been
hindered, but il Is not likely that
Great Britain will follow up her
action with more drastic military
or diplomatic ctions AGAINST
Mexico.
Again, there was the instance of
severed relations between the
United States and Iran PERSIA.
The relations. broken off several
years ago, and not yet renewed.
were severed because Of the indir-
nation Of the Shah over the treat
ment MS minister was given at the
hands of town constable in Elk
ton. Nd
The minister had violated a
traffic regulation. The consta BILE
declined to admit diplomatic i'm
munlty apparently confusing him
with one Of the marrying par
sons which cluttered up Elkton
until a short time ago.
The same Shah of Iran has
broken off diplomatic relations
with France, because of an anus
ing episode of the play on words
In French magazine between
"shah" and Chat" the French
word for "cat" being pronounced
the same a. Shah.
We broke off relations with
Venezuela because she refused TO
meet our claim OF damages TO the
property Of American citizens lal-
though we have NOT broken off
relations with Mexico for confisca-
ton Of American citizens proper
uesl. These difficulties were
settled in a short time when diplo-
matte relations were resumed A few
months later
In 1909 we broke off diplomatic
relations with Nicaragua tPresi-
dent Zelayal denouncing. ZeIayas
regime as "a blot upon the his
tory Of that state.
We were always telling every
one else how they should conduct
themselves and what "blots" thew
Were II they failed to deport
themselves the way We Thought
they should-and We are stu 10.
ING il today,
Continued Tomorrow
Copyright. 1882