THE FUNDAMENTAL PURPOSE.
24 lines✦
n this hemisphere, the mere declaration of ouryoung republic that the attempt of any foreignpower to set foot on American soil would be con-sidered an unfriendly act, has served to preserve“the territorial integrity and the political inde-pendence” of the nations of Central and SouthAmerica. The Treaty pledges all of the signa-tories to make this doctrine effective everywhere.It is the Monroe Doctrine of the world. (Ap-plause) The purpose of the League is to give notice ©that if any nation raises its menacing hand andseeks to cross the line into any other country, theforces of civilization will be aroused to suppressthe common enemy of peace. Therein lies the se-curity of small nations and the safety of theworld. (Applause) Every war between nations that has ever beenfought began in an attempt to seize foreign ter-ritory or to invade political independence. If, in1914, Germany had known that in the event ofhostilities. Great Britain would have entered the 2 D
✦
