Our relations with foreign countries have been maintained upon a high basis
of cordiality and good will.
During the past year the London naval pact was completed, approved by the
Senate, and ratified by the governments concerned. By this treaty we have
abolished competition in the building of warships, have established the
basis of parity of the United States with the strongest of foreign powers,
and have accomplished a substantial reduction in war vessels.
During the year there has been an extended political unrest in the world.
Asia continues in disturbed condition, and revolutions have taken place in
Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia. Despite the jeopardy to our citizens
and their property which naturally arises in such circumstances, we have,
with the cooperation of the governments concerned, been able to meet all
such instances without friction.
We have resumed normal relations with the new Governments of Brazil,
Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia immediately upon evidence that they were able
to give protection to our citizens and their property, and that they
recognized their international obligations.
A commission which was supported by the Congress has completed its
investigation and reported upon our future policies in respect to Haiti and
proved of high value in securing the acceptance of these policies. An
election has been held and a new government established. We have replaced
our high commissioner by a minister and have begun the gradual withdrawal
of our activities with view to complete retirement at the expiration of the
present treaty in 1935.
A number of arbitration and conciliation treaties have been completed or
negotiated during the year, and will be presented for approval by the
Senate.
I shall, in a special message, lay before the Senate the protocols covering
the statutes of the World Court which have been revised to accord with the
sense of previous Senate reservations.
The White House,