PAN-AMERICAN CONGRESS

Hokitika Guardian, 17 January 1928, Page 2

PAN-AMERICAN CONGRESS

.MR COOLIDOE’S SPEECH. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) HAVANA. Jan. 16. Journeying outside the homeland tor the first time since he became President, Mr Coolidge, in a speech keyed to a note of international confidence, helpfulness, and goodwill, opened the sixth Pan-American Congress to-day by urging the nations in the Western Hemisphere to join in the task of assuring all its people'the freedom that Columbus bequeathed them, in an equal measure. without mentioning the League of Nations or the Monroe du<trine. He assured the Congress that the Pan-American Union did not involve antagonism to any section of the world or to any other organisation, but lie declared that American nations were committed to the principle that they are better fitted to govern themselves than anyone else is. United States was prepared to encourage all peaceful pursuits, tending to bring the various units of the American family of the States closer and in more permanent harmony. There was no intention in that hemisphere by any nation ot building up a great military establishment to over-awe or subjugate its neighbours. lie enunciated tile doctrines: " All nations in the hemisphere are determined to adjust the differences. not by a resort to force, but by the application of the principles ot justice and equity.”