WOULD PEACE

Evening Star, Issue 18807, 4 December 1924, Page 5

WOULD PEACE

PRESIDENT COOUDGE'S POLICY. WORLD COURT BEFORE LEAGUE. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright WASHINGTON, December 3. President Coolidgo in his Message to Congress says that Congress has been dedicated anew by the people of the United States to assist in all enterprises conducing to world peace. Praise, is given to the Washington treaties for hastening the era of international good-will and lifting a considorahle burden of taxation. Discussing competitive armaments, tho message says; " Any nation undertaking to maintain a military establishment with aggressive. Imperialistic designs will find itself severely handicapped in the. economic development of the world.” Referring to national defence, Mr Coolidge says; “ W r e are, definitely committed to dealing with other countries not through terrorism or force, but through friendship and understanding. 'While we propose to maintain defensive forces on land and sea. and to train them through inspections and manrenvres upon appropriate occasions in order to maintain their efficiency, I wish every nation to understand that this does not express unfriendliness; nor does it convey hostile, intent. I want the armed forces of America to be considered not as enemies, but as friends, and as the. contribution of tho United States to the maintenance of peace and security in the world.”

Referring to foreign affairs, the President soys: “We look with gratification to the. hopeful prospect of the recuperation of Europe through the Dawes plan. W’c should unhesitatingly provide such assistance as can be given through public authorities or private citizens, and through economic and financial support not for warlike effort, but for reproductive enterprise. Peace is our ideal in our foreign relations, but while we are always willing to help wc do not desire to become involved in foreign political controversies; nor is this country disposed to become a member of the League of Nations.” President Coolidgc endorses a W 7 orld Court, providing its jurisdiction is not compulsory. He favors a further conference regarding the limitation of armaments, and approves of a codification of international law and the outlawry of war.

The President is opposed to the cancellation of foreign debts, saying: “These should he liquidated at the earliest possible date. Ido not (aver oppressive measures the terms and conditions of which may have to conform to differences in the abilities of the countries concerned, hut the principle that each country should meet its obligations is universal in its application.’’—A. and N.Z. Cable.