NO ENEMIES.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18400, 5 June 1925, Page 9

NO ENEMIES.

AMERICA'S PEACEFUL AIMS.

PRESIDENT REBUKES WARMONGERS.

(bt cabl? — raess AssoriATiow— coptbigbt.) IAUSTEAUAX AND S.Z. CABLE AS3OCIATIGS.;

NEW YORK, June 3

At Annapolis. President Coolidge addressed tho graduating class at th.» Naval Academy to-day, when ho seized tho occasion to re-emphasise the peaceful aims of the United States. He sai'l:—

"It is known that we have no present or traditional enemies. We covet no territory, we harbour no Imperialistic designs, and are not concerning ourselves with any expectation of being attacked or of attacking anyone. As far as we can look into the future, as far as we can gauge the power and tho temper of other peoples, there never was a time when there was less likelihood that any other nation, or combination of nations, would, or could, make any attack on tho United States.''

President Coolidgo proceeded to denounce all persons seeking, to precipitate trouble by pronouncing imminent dangers of war, or proclaiming the hostile intentions of other nations. He said:—

"The suggestion that any other people are harbouring a hostile intent towards the United States is a serious charge to make. Wo would not relish having our honourable motives and peaceful intentions questioned by others, and we cannot relish the United States questioning theirs. It seems to mo perfectly proper for any one, upon a suitable occasion, to advocate tho maintenance of a navy in keeping •with the greatness and dignity of our country. But, as one who is responsible, not only for our national defence, but likewise for our friendly relations with other peoples, and our title to th© good opinion of tho world, I feel that the occasion will very seldom arise—and I know it does not now exist—when those connected with our navy will be justified, either directly, or by inference, in asserting that other •specified Powers are arming against us, and arousing national suspicion and hatred by attempting to cause us to arm against them." Though stressing the peaceful aims of the Administration, President Cqolidge firmly declared for adequate national defence, pointing out that the peaceable, prosperous conduct of everyday affairs, and the preservation of all material and spiritual progress, could be secured by sufficient naval and military protection. He concluded with an appeal for the universal interest of American citizens in national defence.