We are not only at peace with all the world, but the foundations for future
peace are being substantially strengthened. To promote peace is our
long-established policy. Through the Kellogg-Briand pact a great moral
standard has been raised in the world. By it fifty-four nations have
covenanted to renounce war and to settle all disputes by pacific means.
Through it a new world outlook has been inaugurated which has profoundly
affected the foreign policies of nations. Since its inauguration we have
initiated new efforts not only in the organization of the machinery of
peace but also to eliminate dangerous forces which produce controversies
amongst nations.
In January, 1926, the Senate gave its consent to adherence to the Court of
International Justice with certain reservations. In September of this year
the statute establishing the court has, by the action of the nations
signatory, been amended to meet the Senate's reservations and to go even
beyond those reservations to make clear that the court is a true
international court of justice. I believe it will be clear to everyone that
no controversy or question in which this country has or claims an interest
can be passed on by the court without our consent at the time the question
arises. The doubt about advisory opinions has been completely safeguarded.
Our adherence to the International Court is, as now constituted, not the
slightest step toward entry into the League of Nations. As I have before
indicated, I shall direct that our signature be affixed to the protocol of
adherence and shall submit it for the approval of the Senate with a special
message at some time when it is convenient to deal with it.
In the hope of reducing friction in the world, and with the desire that we
may reduce the great economic burdens of naval armament, we have joined in
conference with Great Britain, France, Italy, and Japan to be held in
London in January to consider the further limitation and reduction of naval
arms. We hold high hopes that success may attend this effort.
At the beginning of the present administration the neighboring State of
Mexico was best with domestic insurrection. We maintained the embargo upon
the shipment of arms to Mexico but permitted the duly constituted
Government to procure supplies from our surplus war stocks. Fortunately,
the Mexican Government by its own strength successfully withstood the
insurrection with but slight damage. Opportunity of further peaceful
development is given to that country. At the request of the Mexican
Government, we have since lifted the embargo on shipment of arms
altogether. The two governments have taken further steps to promote
friendly relationships and so solve our differences. Conventions prolonging
for a period of two years the life of the general and special claims
commissions have been concluded.
In South America we are proud to have had part in the settlement of the
long-standing dispute between Chile and Peru in the disposal of the
question of Tacna-Arica.
The work of the commission of inquiry and conciliation between Bolivia and
Paraguay, in which a representative of this Government participated, has
successfully terminated an incident which seemed to threaten war. The
proposed plan for final settlement as suggested by the neutral governments
is still under consideration.
This Government has continued its efforts to act as a mediator in boundary
difficulties between Guatemala and Honduras.
A further instance of profound importance in establishing good will was the
inauguration of regular air mail service between the United States and
Caribbean, Central American, and South American countries.
We still have marines on foreign soil--in Nicaragua, Haiti, and China. In
the large sense we do not wish to be represented abroad in such manner.
About 1,600 marines remain in Nicaragua at the urgent request of that
government and the leaders of all parties pending the training of a
domestic constabulary capable of insuring tranquility. We have already
reduced these forces materially and we are anxious to withdraw them further
as the situation warrants. In Haiti we have about 700 marines, but it is a
much more difficult problem, the solution of which is still obscure. If
Congress approves, I shall dispatch a commission to Haiti to review and
study the matter in an endeavor to arrive at some more definite policy than
at present. Our forces in China constitute 2,605 men, which we hope also
further to reduce to the normal legation guard.
It is my desire to establish more firmly our understanding and
relationships with the Latin American countries by strengthening the
diplomatic missions to those countries. It is my hope to secure men long
experienced in our Diplomatic Service, who speak the languages of the
peoples to whom they are accredited, as chiefs of our diplomatic missions
in these States. I shall send to the Senate at an early date the
nominations of several such men.
The Congress has by numerous wise and foresighted acts in the past few
years greatly strengthened the character of our representation abroad. It
has made liberal provision for the establishment of suitable quarters for
our foreign staffs in the different countries. In order, however, that we
may further develop the most effective force in this, one of the most
responsible functions of our Government, I shall recommend to the Congress
more liberal appropriations for the work of the State Department. I know of
no expenditure of public money from which a greater economic and moral
return can come to us than by assuring the most effective conduct of our
foreign relations.