AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 58, 3 December 1923, Page 7

AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY

CONSISTENT WITH MONROE DOCTRINE STILL OPPOSED TO ALLIANCES ADDRESS BY MR. HUGHES Mr. Hughes says. American foreign policy to-day is consistent with the Monroe doctrine. Th® United States is still opposed to alliances and refuses to commit itself in advance to the employment of its ' power in unknown contingencies. By Telegraph——Press association. Copyright. (Rec. December 2, 5.5 p.m.) Washington, December 1. Mr. U. E. Hughes, Secretary of State, addressing the American Society of Political and Social Science at the Philadelphia celebration of the centenary of the Monroe doctrine, said: “American foreign policy to-day squares consistently with that doctrine, The United States would rather suffer such ills as might result from her present policy towards Europe rather than suffer the greater evils which would follow a sacrifice of lie? independent position. The United States entered the war in support of liberty and to destroy the menace of an autocratic Power, but not to secure the economic prostration of a vanquished people. We have the deepest sympathy with France, and wish to sec her wounds healed and just demands satisfied. We desire to see a united and prosperous Germany, with a will to peace, making amends to the full extent of her powers, and obtaining appropriate rewards for her labours. “We are still opposed to alliances, and refuse to commit ourselves in advance to the employment of the United States power in unknown contingencies. We reserve the right io act upon occasion, as our sense of duty permits. We oppose discriminations against our nationals, and we ask for fair and equal opportunities in the mandated territories acquired by our allies with our aid. We desire to cooperate in the peaceful settlement ot international disputes. We desire to co-operate in humanitarian efforts to prevent evils which only can be met with community action. There is no inconsistency between these policies end the Monroe doctrine. The United States also adheres to the principles nf peace in the Pacific set forth at the Washington Conference.—-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. MEETING OF CONGRESS REPUBLICANS LACK A WORKING MAJORITY -PRESIDENT’S POSITION UNENVIABLE (Rec. December 2. 11.40 p.m.) Washington, December 1. After nine months’ recess Congress will meet on December 3. It anpears that the Republicans definitely lack a working majority. The organisations of the- committees and the choice of speakers, etc., are still hopelessly incomplete, after a fortnight’s activity, so that President Coolidge, who planned to address the House on December 4. will be compelled indefinitely to delay the event. Republican representatives and Senators of insurgent tendencies will be in a position to exercise control. The Democrats also lack unity on a legislat-'ro programme and questions of leadership. The recalcitrants of both parties are expected to unite in harassing the administration and blocking domestic legislation and the execution of foreign policies. . , President Coolidge’s position is considered to be .unenviable. His hope to receive the Republican nomination for the Presidency in 1924 is said to rest' upon his ability to control Congress. It is understood that President Coolidge’s address wilj advocate entrance to the World Court, reduction in taxation, and oppos’ijon to a soldiers bonus. Some claim that unless the servicemen get a bonus the Republicans are doomed to defeat in 1924, while Mr. Mellon declares that the bonus is a raid on the Treasury Senators Johnson. Borah. La Follette, Shinstead. Reed, nnd others are meanwhile whining the Congressional sea into a storm, the consequences of which mav mean confusion or worse. -Aus.-N.Z: Cable Assn. ,