Imperiled America (Volume 24); A Discussion of the Complications Forced Upon the United States by the World War (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1916. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... Chapter Iv The Caribbean Sea Problem The progress of events has forced another policy upon the United States, a policy included in the Monroe Doctrine and, like the Doctrine as a whole, based upon the recognized right of self-preservation. It relates to the Panama Canal, to the territory lying between the Rio Grande and the southernmost boundary of the canal zone, to the countries washed by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean in the vicinity of the Canal, and to the islands which dot those reaches of water. More than ever, the United States cannot permit any European or Asiatic power to gain possession of footholds in that important region. More than ever, it must keep within its control the communications between its continental limits and the Canal. Indeed, the policy of the United States must be to consolidate its position in Mexico and Central America, in the Caribbean Sea and in those countries whose geographical situation lends them strategic value in connection with the waterway. The importance of the Caribbean Sea to the American people was realized by the founders of the Republic. They saw in its islands natural appendages to the North American continent, with one of them, Cuba, almost in sight of our shores. The commanding position of that island, with reference to the Gulf of Mexico and the West Indian seas; its situation midway between our southern coast and the important island of Santo Domingo; its safe and capacious harbor of Havana, fronting a long line of our shores, destitute of the same advantage; the nature of its productions and wants, furnishing the supplies and needing the returns of a commerce immensely profitable and mutually beneficial, lent it an importance in the sum of our national interests, in the view of Secretary of State Joh...