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308 and give protection to the lives and property of foreigners is a menace to the United States only slightly less dangerous, because conditions may arise in such a country which, through the steps taken by other powers to defend the interests of their nationals, may draw the United States into international conflicts.

The United States, therefore, is in a position that demands that it shall do all that is within its power to help Mexico establish and maintain the public order upon which her economic salvation depends. Order is essential for the rehabilitation of Mexico and for the protection of the broader foreign policy of the United States; it is the starting point for all the other developments in Mexico that will help to strengthen the position of both countries and assure their good understanding.

The steps it may be necessary to take to assure order, and to impress upon the local government its duty to maintain it, may offend the susceptibilities of those in control in Mexico. In the past America has been frightened too often by such possibilities. There has developed a pallid Pan-Americanism, which has led the United States too often to refuse to do anything for fear of offending a Latin American country, even though by inaction its own just interests were caused to suffer. If that is the price that must be paid for Latin American friendship, it is not worth the price. In fact, no such condition exists. The Latin is moved by the same motives that prompt other peoples. A nation whose foreign policy is characterized by a firm insistence on respect for its citizens' rights never sacrifices the respect of other nations—even the respect of those against