AMERICAN POLICY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 66, 19 March 1938, Page 9

AMERICAN POLICY

In International Affairs TAKING MIDDLE COURSE Parallel Action With Other Nations RIGHTS MUST BE UPHELD WASHINGTON, March 16. The secretary of State, Mr Cordell Hull, in an important address outlining the American position in international affairs, left the unquestionable inference that the United States is not only prepared to take parallel action in the Far East, but elsewhere—namely, that where this and other nations have common interests and objectives and in dealing with problems confronting each alike, the United States will “proceed along parallel lines.” The speech was broadcast to other nations, and American displomatic representatives throughout nearly the whole world were previously appraised of its text. “The momentous question,” said Mr Hull, “is whether the doctrine of force shall become enthroned again and bring in its wake inexorably international anarchy, or whether this and the other peaceful nations fervently attached to the principles underlying international order shall work unceasingly, singly or through co-operation, to promote and preserve law, order, morality, and justice as the unshakable bases of civilised international relations. Well-proved Extremes. The United States is determined to avoid extremes of either internationalism or isolationism and to steer a sound middle course. To waive rights and permit interests to lapse in the face of their actual or threatened violation and thereby abandon obligations in any important areas of uhe world would be to invite the disregard and violation of rights and interests everywhere.

For nations which seek peace to assume with respect to each other attitudes of complete aloofness would serve only to encourage and virtually invite on the part of other nations lawlessly inclined policies and actions most likely to endanger peace. “We have consistently collaborated in the present Far Eastern emergency with other peace-seeking nations in this manner. In this collaboration there is not a trace of alliance or involvement of any sort. Co-operation With Other Nations. “The interest and concern of the United States are not measured alone by the number of American citizens residing in any particular country or by the volume of investment and trade. There is a much broader and more fundamental interest, namely, the orderly processes of international relationships. We will continue to give full and sincere adherence to the fundamental principle underlying international order and will continue, wherever necessary, and in every practical, peaceful way, to co-operate with other nations which are actuated by the same desires. “We will preserve in appropriate efforts to safeguard our legitimate rights and interests in every part of the world, and we will, while scrupulously respecting the rights of othei*. insist on their respecting our rights.” UNITED STATES NAVY PLANS CONTEMPLATED FOR HUGE BATTLESHIPS \ DECISION RESTS WITH PRESIDENT WASHINGTON, March 17. It is understood that three sets ot plans for 43,200, 45,000, and 51,000-ton battleships have been completed and will be submitted to the President, with whom the decision about their size rests. Vessels of 51,000 tons are entirely feasible. They will be armeci with 18-inch guns and will carry six aeroplanes.