The recent treaty for the renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy sets an advanced standard in our conception of the relations of nations.  Its acceptance should pave the way to greater limitation of armament, the offer of which we sincerely extend to the world.  But its full realization also implies a greater and greater perfection in the instrumentalities for pacific settlement of controversies between nations.  In the creation and use of these instrumentalities we should support every sound method of conciliation, arbitration, and judicial settlement.  American statesmen were among the first to propose and they have constantly urged upon the world, the establishment of a tribunal for the settlement of controversies of a justiciable character.  The Permanent Court of International Justice in its major purpose is thus peculiarly identified with American ideals and with American statesmanship.  No more potent instrumentality for this purpose has ever been conceived and no other is practicable of establishment.  The reservations placed upon our adherence should not be misinterpreted.  The United States seeks by these reservations no special privilege or advantage but only to clarify our relation to advisory opinions and other matters which are subsidiary to the major purpose of the court.  The way should, and I believe will, be found by which we may take our proper place in a movement so fundamental to the progress of peace.

Our people have determined that we should make no political engagements such as membership in the League of Nations, which may commit us in advance as a nation to become involved in the settlements of controversies between other countries.  They adhere to the belief that the independence of America from such obligations increases its ability and availability for service in all fields of human progress.

I have lately returned from a journey among our sister Republics of the Western Hemisphere.  I have received unbounded hospitality and courtesy as their expression of friendliness to our country.  We are held by particular bonds of sympathy and common interest with them.  They are each of them building a racial character and a culture which is an impressive contribution to human progress.  We wish only for the maintenance of their independence, the growth of their stability, and their prosperity.  While we have had wars in the Western Hemisphere, yet on the whole the record is in encouraging contrast with that of other parts of the world.  Fortunately the New World is largely free from the inheritances of fear and distrust which have so troubled the Old World.  We should keep it so.