Evening star., 1940-09-29

without let or hindrance Of q
political character, we have never
ceased to offer our full partici-
patton and cooperation in such
a general economic program.
Economic Policy Changed
To Safeguard Security.
The oncoming of the war and
the complete dislocation of in
ternational trade has necessarily
left that program in suspense,
but the determination of your
Government to resume it when
the opportunity again occurs re-
mains unaltered.
Meanwhile, our economic policy
has been adjusted to safeguard
and to serve our security in many
vital relations.
Let me turn now to the sub
ject of our armed defense. Dur
ing the first years of this ad-
miniStration We participated in
conferences designed to bring
about an international agreement
on the limitation and reduction
OF armament. Time after time
this Government expressed our
readiness to join with other
\ nations in a common effort 10
bring about an effective agree
ment.
While the Government was
making efforts for arms limita-
ton, our national defense was
not neglected. Ever since he
assumed office President Roose-
welt has worked increasingly to-
ward an adequate national de-
fense. In 1884 steps were taken
to bring our Navy up to treaty
strength. Shortly thereafter,
provision was made for replac-
ing and improving Army equip
ment, and for a very substantial
increase in enlisted strength.
The aim of this administra-
ton has been to make our ma
tional defense adequate and
efficient on land. on sea and in
the air. The definition of an
adequate national defense, of
course, is bound to change with
changing international situa-
tions. 1t has been our policy to
make no increase in our own
armament unless other powers
by increasing theirs make in
crease by us necessary to our ma
tional safety.
BY the end of 1896 it had be-
come apparent that under exist
ing conditions there was no pos
sibility of a general international
agreement for a reduction in
armament. Instead, there was a
recrudescence of military spirit,
resulting in the expansion OF
standing armies, in naval con-
struction, in enormously in
creased military budgets. and in
feverish efforts to devise new
instruments of warfare.
Roosevelt's Warning
In 1885 Recalled.
During this period the admin
istration repeatedly pointed out
the dangers in the international
situation. AS early as January 4,
1885, President Roosevelt stated
in a message to Congress, Il
cannot with candor tell you that
general international relation
ships outside the borders of the
United States are improved. On
the surface of things many old
jealousies are resurrected, old
passions aroused; new strivings
for armament and power, in more
than one land, rear their ugly
heads"
Toward the end of 1887 the
Nation was warned that intel
national lawlessness was spread
ing; that the situation was OF
universal concern; and that the
peace, freedom, and security OF
80 per cent of the population OF
the world was being jeopardized
by the remaining 10 per cent
who were threatening a break
down in all international order
under law.
In a message to Congress Of
January %. 1898, the President
declared that as Commander in
Chief of the Army and Navy Of
the United States it was his con-
stitutional duty to report that
"our national defense is, in the
light of the increasing arma-
ments of other nations, made
quate for purposes of national
security and requires increase for
that reason"
A few months after the Mu-
Mich agreement President Roose-
welt reported to Congress that
although a war which had
threatened to envelop the world
in flames had been temporarily
averted, it had become increas-
ingly clear that peace was not
assured. In this message of
January 4. 1899, he pointed out
that the world had grown so
small and weapons of attack SO
swift that no nation could be
safe so long as any other power
fl1l nation refusad Ia settlA itS