WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1929, Page 5

WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY

SPEECH BY MR COOLIDGE,

(United Press Assoeintion—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright).

(Received this day at 8 a.m.) WASHINGTON, February 21

M,r Coolidge in the course.nif Washington’s birthday speech, said it was possible to say of our foreign relations at the present time, that they rarely had been in a happier condition. Our citizens of course meet citizens of other countries in commercial rivalry in tho market-places of the world. That will always continue. It is a natural and inevitable result of foreign trade, but it did not raise any Visue between our Government and other Governments. We believe in a policy o'f national defence and to maintain an army and navy for that purpose. Other countries have similar military establishments. We are committed to the 'principle of limitation of armaments with other great powers. Through public opinion of their people, and binding obligations of their treaties they are more firmly committed to this principal than we are.' It does not raise any issues.between us.

Giving warning, against too serious attention to statements made in this and other countries in tho heat of political campaigns. Mr Coolidge then stressed the friendly relationship existing between the various governments and the United States.

He added: “The people and press should be friendly. While we are not associated with any particular foreign group in the last analysis, they all know they can apply to us when in need of friendly offices. We do not keep our isolation, tor its own effect oi in order to avoid responsibilities, but we cherish our position of unprejudiced detachment, because through that means we can best meet our world obligations.” Referring to Washington Mr Coolidge said the people of England feci that even in the defeat of their arms abroad, lie carried their ideals to victory at home. ______