Smyrna times., 1940-07-11
The
Monroe Doctrine
by
David G. Harrison Post, No. Ia
American Legion
AMERICANISM PROGRAM

American Legion
AMERICANISM PROGRAM
The Monroe Doctrine, which for
bids further colonization of the
western hemisphere, or interfer-
ence with the governments of the
republics of South and Central
America by European powers, was
set forth in a message to Congress
by President James Monroe, in the
year 1928. This tersely worded
message, which resounded thruout
the world, was perhaps originally
intended to apply in particular to
the government of Spain. Only a
short time before the Monroe Doc
trine was written, Spanish colon
les in both South and Central
America, had successfully rebelled
against their ruler. And, although
these newly-born Republics had
temporarily won their independ-
ence, the Spanish government, oc-
pressing affairs, was already look
ing forward to the day when they
could send strong fleet of ships
and men to recapture the valuable
possessions they had lost. When
United States agreed to the prin-
ciples as set forth in the Monroe
Roctrine, it put an end to the ter
ritorial ambitions of all European
powers, as effecting the western
hemisphere. However, it did not
in any way change the status of
colonies then owned by foreign ma
tions. Those who direct the future
destinies of the United States, are
at this very moment bending every
effort to preserve the full meaning
of the Monroe Doctrine, as it ap-
piled to our hemisphere. The Nazi
dream of world domination is far
reaching. Recent information ar
irving in the United States indi-
Gates that the German government
is striving to obtain foothold in
South America. These reports
state that strong Nazi movements
have been discovered in the repub-
lies of Chile, Argentina, Uruguay.
Bolivia, Paraguay and a section of
Brazil. The dispatching of sever
al United States warships to South
American waters, supposedly on a.
good will tour, would indicate
that the reports of spreading Nazi
activities in the countries named,
have been considered in a serious
light by government officials in
Washington. Reports Of federal
investigators further substantiate
these facts. It has been disclosed,
on good authority, that Montevi-
deo, the capital Of Uruguay, was
to have been the center of the first
Nazi uprising in South America.
The capture of Montevideo would
have gained for the Germans, con-
troll of all water communications
leading to Buenos Aires, which is
the chief port and capital of Ar
gentina. These aggressive acts by
a foreign power have caused many
citizens of the United States to
hold the belief that Nazi Germany
is attempting to carry out the
dreams of a madman; namely
worlds conquest. In view of these
happenings, it therefore becomes
the duty and obligation, of every
loyal American to individually, and
collectively, fight against this in
creasing menace. We, who love
the sacred blessings of a free
country, must cheerfully volunteer
to do those thing which will tend
to preserve the great advantages
which our democracy now enjoys.
Regardless of the sacrifices neces-
sary. regardless of the costs in
volved, Americans must safeguard
and protect the personal liberties
which are their rightful heritage.
Unified action will be necessary to
IOihDdl lic lllOcIullDlllS cntClS VI
Nazism, Fascism and Communism
as exists in America today. We
should urge the passage of both
federal and state laws which would
give our law enforcement agencies
better opportunity to detect sab
otagors, fifth columnists and others
of their breed. The recent bomb
ing which occurred at the New
York's World Fair, proves conclu-
sively that the time is here for US
to act. Let us sweep our country
clear of all foreign agents who are
working to cripple, or destroy, our
government. Americans, your duty
is clear. The time for action is
now.
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