1939-03-20 — Page 10

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THE CHINA MAIL, MARCH 20, 1939.

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AMERICAN FOREIGN

POLICY

❤

Adopted when there was more hope that America could keep out of a general war, they frank- ly abandoned any effort to res- train aggressors. They said in effect, the United States will not send supplies to any nation, even though the American people's moral sense revolts against the wrong done, even though China or Britain or Spain may be standing up against forces and ideas which if carried far enough would destroy America, and are already making life unpleasant.

In a more peaceful world that seemed a possible policy. In a world where, according to public opinion polls, Americans are com- ing to feel they could not stay out of war, it becomes an impos- sible policy. And in а world where American planes

and

7

bombs have helped to terrorise

women and destroy the

and children of China it becomes an intolerable policy.

But before entering onto a course of active aid for nations resisting aggression, military or diplomatic, the American people will have serious questions to an- swer. They will want the whole situation more fully explained. And they might be brought to a more united and confident sup- port of a new, policy if some method could be devised for Con- gress to participate more direct- ly in the conduct of foreign policy. If for instance the lea- |ders of both parties in both Houses could be given authority to act with the President to de- termine when to stop sending sup- plies to an aggressor or on what conditions to supply nations that are resisting "aggression, there might be a greater willingness to adopt a strong position. Such a plan would need to be worked out with care and consideration and with patriotism which rises above party. But the plain need is for some arrangement which will facilitate united democratic handling of foreign policy.

Twisting The Signposts

Uncertainty in the minds of dictators, such uncertainty about the results of war that war will not be attempted that is the aim of President Roosevelt's for- eign policy. Given certain con- ditions, it is an intelligent and possibly the most peaceful alter- native in a situation where any policy is dangerous. The major- ity of American newspapers, re- cognising that the United States cannot live unto itself, particu- larly in a world at war, have long

An ambassador, it used to be favoured more active American ambiguously said, is an honest efforts to prevent war. But man who is sent abroad to lie for the good of his country. In some there are serious difficulties in places the modern tendency is for any form of co-operation. And a historian to be one who lies there is danger that unless at home for the convenience - of America's present policy is de- his rulers. This tendency Lord Crawford and Balcarres, a dis- fined, discussed and agreed upon tinguished scholar, has recently it will create such uncertainty as very justly and trenchantly de will nullify the policy's effect.nounced. So thick and stifling is Unfortunately the discussion is the fog of deliberately mislead- ing information concerning his- dividing on partisan lines and the torical facts which is being spread totalitarian press has been charg- about certain parts of Europe ing secret agreements. Foreign that Lord Crawford seriously policy

the future will be able to disen- elements of government to han-

tangle truth from falsehood. dle by democratic discussion.

No historian is omniscient. That is why in Britain it is left There are many questions of the so largely to the initiative of the past which have never been sat- isfactorily cleared up.. Mystery Cabinet. That is why the still hangs about Mary Queen of American Constitution gives so Scots and the Casket Letters. much of it into the hands of the -The diamond necklace episode in President. But with the trend to the career of Marie Antoinette retains its unplumbed depths, des- more active popular participationpite the researches of Miss Norma in government, a trend Mr. Roose- velt has promoted, there is an in- |creasing demand for more demo-

cratic control of foreign policy.

•

KAIPING COAL is one of the most difficult doubts whether the historian of

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The Ludlow Amendment, pro- viding for a referendum on war, is one sign of it, The Johnson Act and the Neutrality Act are congressional moved in the same direction. They keep presiden tial policy penned, if not hobbled.

Shearer and the Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer film company. But the main facts and trends of history are clear enough. The broad lines of character and development are plainly discerned. Cromwell's vilification by Cavalier historians -has not obscured his final fame. the end, historical truth wins ugh. In spite of the smoke of political propaganda to itswille continue to win hrough in the future.