An Ambiguous Speech

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 7, 19 December 1925, Page 5

An Ambiguous Speech

Canada and Pan-Americanism WHAT A COMMISSIONER MEANT. AN UNFORTUNATE MISUNDEILSTANDING. (By Cable—Press Association—Copyright.) New York, Dec. 17. I A mild sensation was caused by statements attributed to Mr. Frederic Hudd, Canadian Trade Commissioner to- the United States, in a speech oeiore the Pan-American Commercial Congress) in which Mr Hudd, is alleged to have pledged Canada’s allegiance to Pan-Americanism in the oroadest sene and urged the countries of the Western Hemisphere to stand together—the “United States of the American Continent.” This was interpreted here and in Canada as the “cut tne painter” policy. Mr. Hudd subsequently issued a statement declaring that his remarks nad been entirely misrepresented and given political significance, whereas he was only speaking as a commercial representative before an unofficial body. He said: “1 was merely authorised to attend the congress as Canada’s representative. 1 had no authority whasoever to pledge the Canadian Government to anything, particularly a major matter of international policy, which is obviously beyond the province of a civil servant. The Pan-American Commercial Congress is not an official body, although all the Latin American countries are represented. It has no connection with the Pan-American Union, although the two bodies are in sympathy.” Mr. Hudd states that ho intended to say: “Canada is the elder daughter in the great commonwealth of nations, but her immediate destiny lies on the North American continent. Canada believes in the co-operation of all countries on this continent and earnestly seeks their goodwill and to work with them in the interests of mutual prosperity and the permanent peace of the world. These considerations are further strengthened by the convictions that there is no problem too difficult tor the countries of Latin America and North America to solve. No catastrophe is too ominous for the countries of the Western Hemisphere to avert, provided they stand together.”—(A. and N.Z.)