AMERICA’S ATTITUDE.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 September 1922, Page 7

AMERICA’S ATTITUDE.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —There are a large number of people who are complaining because U.S.A, does not back up England in the Eastern question. These people forget that U.S.A, is not a European nation, and perhaps they are ignorant of the fact that the foreign policy of USA. is controlled by the principles of the Monroe Doctrine. In the early 19th century the Spanish-American colonies had revolted, and after some years Spain determined to reconquer them. Complications arose, in which both England and U.S.A, decided to prevent this reconquest, and. in order to make the position clear, President Monroe, of U.S.A., published his famous "doctrine,” which stated: "That the United States do not admit the existence in America of any field for further colonial acquisitions by European powers.’’ In other words, “America 13 for the Americans." Now. following on from this declaration, if no European power is to be allowed to interfere in America, then surely America must not interfere in Europe. This is the policy that U.S.A, has followed ever since. She leaves Europe severely alone. There is only one time when U.S.A, will interfere in Europe, and that is when her intervention is necessary to save civilisation. This is partly the reason why she intervened in the late war, and partly because the intense feeling of the people overcome the traditional policy of the Government. A large majority of the people wished to enter : the war long before, but it took time for the

feelings .of the people to reach such a height as to overcome the traditional policy of the nations. As soop as popular feeling had waned the U.S.A. Government dropped all Interference in Europe. Consequently she has been accused of deserting the League of Nations. She has done nothing of the kind. Her policy has caused her to lend only her passive support. That America desired peace was shown in the disarmament conference. It is the same in the Eastern question. That the people support Britain Is shown by the actions of her Ministers, but the American Government must abide by her policy of non-intervention. If England goes to war with Turkey, U.S.A, will only enter the war if England begins to be defeated—a most Improbable thing. Can we blame America? She has seen the bloodshed and misery caused by European quarrels, and she only desires that American people shall not bo subjected to similar conditions. Only so long as she keeps out of European quarrels can she forbid European nations to interfere in America and this she is determined to do. —I am, etc., "FAIR PLAY." Stratford, September 20.