FOREIGN RELATIONS

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.