Evening star., 1949-04-25
Puerto Rico's 'Munoz Doctrine

A resolution adopted UNANIMOUSLY oy
both houses of the Puerto Rican legis-
lature. rebuking actions OF the recent
Havana Conference regarding that island,
is highly significant event. Its reper-
cussions throughout Latin America may
be considerable, especially as REGARDS
relations with the United States. For us
1t is particularly gratifying, because Is
the reward of our liberal policy toward
Puerto Rico, especially in recent years.
The Havana Conference was convoked
by a group of Latin American nations to
consider the question Of dependent ter
ritories," meaning thereby the colonial
possessions of foreign countries In the
western Hemisphere. Under the Monroe
Doctrine as enunciated more than CEN
turv ago. such colonial holdings then
existing were not to be disturbed, but
further colonial acquisitions were pro-
hibited. The Havana Conference ques-
toned this arrangement and discussed
WAYS of ending such foreign sovereignties.
Since this was a challenge to Britain,
France and the Netherlands, our Gov
ernment looked upon the Conference with
disfavor for obvious reasons, declining TO
attend, as did several Of the Latin Amer
lean nations.
What aroused the ire of the Puerto
Ricans was the inclusion OF their island
in the agenda as Colonial problem.
Furthermore, the Conference received, and
listened sympathetically to, representatives
of the Puerto Rican independence and
Nationalist parties. Both are small groups
entirely discredited at home. This applies
especially to the Nationalists, whose pro-
gram, calls for revolutionary action, In
Guiding terrorist methods of sabotage and
assassination. Some years ago, series
of Nationalist riots and murders led to
the conviction of their leader, the noto-
rious Pedro Albizu Campos, and several
of his lieutenants, for completely, with
long prison terms as the penalty. Those
sentences were generally approved by
Puerto Rican public opinion, and the Ma
tionalists have never since ventured TO
nominate candidates in any elections,
realizing their numerical insigniicance.
The condemnatory resolution OF the
legislature warns Latin American nations
to keep their hands of Puerto Rico's rela-
tions with the United States. Since the
present legislature is dominated by the
party headed by Governor Luis Munoz
Marin, the line of thought embodied IN
the resolution is termed the 'Munoz Doc
trine." This pronouncement supplements
the Monroe Doctrine. emphasizing the
special relations between the island and
the United States. Far from being q
colonial area" Puerto Rico enjoys full
autonomy coupled with the acknowledged
right of determination. Its status Is
much like that of Dominion member OF
the British Commonwealth since the
Statute of Westminster, under which any
member can quit the association at will.
The great majority OF Puerto Ricans do
not desire to terminate their present
relationship with the United States, under
which they have our protection and the
advantages of economic union. Such
benefits would be lost through isolated
Independence in dangerous world.
This assertion Of Puerto Rican content
ment and solidarity with us is the best
possible answer to hostile propaganda In
Latin America accusing us of imperialism
and brandishing outmoded phantoms
of the Yankee Ogre" and the menacing
Colossus of the North" Puerto Rico Is
thus q precious ambassador Of goodwill