»9i4.] A FACTOR IN WORLD POLITICS. 87 



neighbor, that large bodies of American citizens have taken up 

 residence there, and that vast American interests amounting to over 

 a bilHon dollars, are invested in Mexican enterprises — all these 

 factors indicate the necessity of developing a policy toward these 

 three sections of the American continent based on the positive 

 national interests involved rather than on the negative principles of 

 the Alonroe Doctrine. We should frankly proclaim to the world 

 that basic national interests demand that these sections of the 

 American continent shall not only remain free from European com- 

 plications, but that the primary requisites for the preservation of 

 civilization shall be maintained. Continued disorder, the disregard 

 of fundamental human rights, the undermining of respect for 

 property — all these constitute elements which vitally affect the well- 

 being and safety of the United States. This does not mean either 

 the extension of a proctectorate or an unwarranted interference with 

 the domestic affairs of these countries, but it does mean that the 

 United States cannot remain indifferent to the existence of condi- 

 tions which menace the fundamentals of civilization. 



The positive principles of foreign policy which this exceptional 

 situation demands, rest in part on the fact that the sections of the 

 American continent above referred to have become important 

 sources of the food supply of the American people, and that the 

 possibility of reducing the cost of living of the American working- 

 man depends in large measure on the uninterrupted use of these 

 sources of supply. 



This does not mean that the United States should pursue a 

 selfish or ruthless policy in dealing with these countries. On the 

 contrary, the permanent interests of the United States are best sub- 

 served by prosperous, independent, self-respecting and progressive 

 neighbors. Our policy toward them should be conceived in the 

 most elevated spirit of helpful cooperation, but the basis of this 

 cooperation should be and must be the maintenance of the funda- 

 mental requisites of civilization. 



The Monroe Doctrine was formulated to accomplish two specific 

 purposes : 



1st. To prevent further European colonization on the American 

 continent, and 



