PRESIDENT WILSON'S POLICY

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2868, 5 September 1916, Page 5

PRESIDENT WILSON'S POLICY

A NOMINATION SPEECH "WHY WE HAVE BEEN NEUTRAL" i Australian-New Zealand Cable Association, Washington, September 3. President Wilson, in accepting the Democratic nomination as President, made a speech regarding foreign affairs. He said: "We havo been neutral because the fixed traditional policy of the United States is to stand aloof from tho politics of Europe, becauso we had no part in the influences which brought about the war. Our duty is to prevent, if possible, tho indefinite extension of the desolation kindled by the terrible conflict, and, to reserve our strength and resources for the anxious and difficult days of restoration which must follow. When tho rights of our citissons became involved this was our guiding principle: that property rights can bo vindicated by claims for 'damages when the war is over, but the fundamental Tights of humanity ean T not; therefore, loss of life, is irreparable. Neither can direct violation of the nation's sovereignty await vindication by suits for damages; any nation violating these essential rights must expect to be checked and to bo called to account by direot challenge and resistance." Referring ,to the end of the war, the President said: "There must be a just and settled peace. We hero in America must contribute the full force of our authority as a nation to the organisation of that peace upon worldwide foundations that cannot be easily shaken. No nation should bo forced to take sides in any quarrel in which our honour, integrity, and the fortunes of our people are not involved; but no nation can any longer remain neutral against any wilful disturbance of the peace of the' world. Tho nations of tho world must unite in joint guarantees. Whatever is done to disturb tho life of tho whole world must first be tested in a court of tho .whole world's opinion beforo it is attempted." . • ' '