The principles of our policies in this hemisphere have been clear and
constant over the last four years. We support democracy and respect for
human rights. We have struggled with many to help free the region of both
repression and terrorism. We have respected ideological diversity and
opposed outside intervention in purely internal affairs. We will act,
though, in response to a request for assistance by a country threatened by
external aggression. We support social and economic development within a
democratic framework. We support the peaceful settlement of disputes. We
strongly encourage regional cooperation and shared responsibilities within
the hemisphere to all these ends, and we have eagerly and regularly sought
the advice of the leaders of the region on a wide range of issues.
Last November, I spoke to the General Assembly of the Organization of
American States of a cause that has been closest to my heart--human
rights. It is an issue that has found its time in the hemisphere. The cause
is not mine alone, but an historic movement that will endure.
At Riobamba, Ecuador, last September four Andean Pact countries, Costa
Rica, and Panama broke new ground by adopting a "Code of Conduct," that
joint action in defense of human rights does not violate the principles of
nonintervention in the internal affairs of states in this hemisphere. The
Organization of American States has twice condemned the coup that
overturned the democratic process in Bolivia and the widespread abuse of
human rights by the regime which seized power. The Inter-American
Commission on Human Rights has gained world acclaim for its dispassionate
reports. It completed two major country studies this year in addition to
its annual report. In a resolution adopted without opposition, the OAS
General Assembly in November strongly supported the work of the Commission.
The American Convention on Human Rights is in force and an Inter-American
Court has been created to judge human rights violations. This convention
has been pending before the Senate for two years; I hope the United States
this year will join the other nations of the hemisphere in ratifying a
convention which embodies principles that are our tradition.
The trend in favor of democracy has continued. During this past year, Peru
inaugurated a democratically elected government. Brazil continues its
process of liberalization. In Central America, Hondurans voted in record
numbers in their first national elections in over eight years. In the
Caribbean seven elections have returned governments firmly committed to the
democratic traditions of the Commonwealth.
Another major contribution to peace in the hemisphere is Latin America's
own Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. On behalf of the United
States, I signed Protocol I of this Treaty in May of 1977 and sent it to
the Senate for ratification. I urge that it be acted upon promptly by the
Senate in order that it be brought into the widest possible effect in the
Latin American region.
Regional cooperation for development is gaining from Central America to the
Andes, and throughout the Caribbean. The Caribbean Group for Cooperation in
Economic Development, which we established with 29 other nations in 1977,
has helped channel $750 million in external support for growth in the
Caribbean. The recent meeting of the Chiefs of State of the Eastern
Caribbean set a new precedent for cooperation in that region. Mexico and
Venezuela jointly and Trinidad and Tobago separately have established oil
facilities that will provide substantial assistance to their oil importing
neighbors. The peace treaty between El Salvador and Honduras will hopefully
stimulate Central America to move forward again toward economic
integration. Formation of Caribbean/ Central American Action, a private
sector organization, has given a major impetus to improving
people-to-people bonds and strengthening the role of private enterprise in
the development of democratic societies.
The Panama treaties have been in force for over a year. A new partnership
has been created with Panama; it is a model for large and small nations. A
longstanding issue that divided us from our neighbors has been resolved.
The security of the canal has been enhanced. The canal is operating as well
as ever, with traffic through it reaching record levels this year. Canal
employees, American and Panamanian alike, have remained on the job and have
found their living and working conditions virtually unchanged.
In 1980, relations with Mexico continued to improve due in large measure to
the effectiveness of the Coordinator for Mexican Affairs and the expanded
use of the U.S.-Mexico Consultative Mechanism. By holding periodic meetings
of its various working groups, we have been able to prevent mutual concerns
from becoming political issues. The Secretary of State visited Mexico City
in November, and, along with the Mexican Secretary of Foreign Relations,
reviewed the performance of the Consultative Mechanism. The office of the
Coordinator has ensured the implementation of my directive to all agencies
to accord high priority to Mexican concerns. Trade with Mexico rose by
almost 60 percent to nearly $30 billion, making that country our third
largest trading partner.
These are all encouraging developments. Other problems remain, however.
The impact of large-scale migration is affecting many countries in the
hemisphere. The most serious manifestation was the massive, illegal exodus
from Cuba last summer. The Cuban government unilaterally encouraged the
disorderly and even deadly migration of 125,000 of its citizens in complete
disregard for international law or the immigration laws of its neighbors.
Migrations of this nature clearly require concerted action, and we have
asked the OAS to explore means of dealing with similar situations which may
occur in the future.
We have a long-standing treaty with Colombia on Quita Sueno, Roncador, and
Serrano which remains to be ratified by the Senate.
In Central America, the future of Nicaragua is unclear. Recent tensions,
the restrictions on the press and political activity, an inordinate Cuban
presence in the country and the tragic killing by the security forces of a
businessman well known for his democratic orientation, cause us
considerable concern. These are not encouraging developments. But those who
seek a free society remain in the contest for their nation's destiny. They
have asked us to help rebuild their country, and by our assistance, to
demonstrate that the democratic nations do not intend to abandon Nicaragua
to the Cubans. As long as those who intend to pursue their pluralistic
goals play important roles in Nicaragua, it deserves our continuing
support.
In El Salvador, we have supported the efforts of the Junta to change the
fundamental basis of an inequitable system and to give a stake in a new
nation to those millions of people, who for so long, lived without hope or
dignity. As the government struggles against those who would restore an old
tyranny or impose a new one, the United States will continue to stand
behind them.
We have increased our aid to the Caribbean, an area vital to our national
security, and we should continue to build close relations based on mutual
respect and understanding, and common interests.
As the nations of this hemisphere prepare to move further into the 1980's,
I am struck by the depth of underlying commitment that there is to our
common principles: non-intervention, peaceful settlement of disputes,
cooperation for development, democracy and defense of basic human rights. I
leave office satisfied that the political, economic, social and
organizational basis for further progress with respect to all these
principles have been substantially strengthened in the past four years. I
am particularly reassured by the leadership by other nations of the
hemisphere in advancing these principles. The success of our common task of
improving the circumstances of all peoples and nations in the hemisphere
can only be assured by the sharing of responsibility. I look forward to a
hemisphere that at the end of this decade has proven itself anew as a
leader in the promotion of both national and human dignity.