Date: July 31, 1930
Location: Northampton, MA
(Original document available here)
If when something is unusually bad it becomes a subject for news, by the same principle when something is good it is at least worthy of comment.
At the present time the foreign relations of the United States are in a particularly satisfactory condition. While there are always trifling questions concerning trade and individuals requiring diplomatic adjustment we are especially free from any major issues with other nations.
With but one important exception our war debts with Europe are adjusted, all misunderstandings have been removed from the Pacific Ocean area, Central and South America are quiet, our claims in Mexico are being adjudicated, the revolution in China involves us but slightly, and the naval limitation treaty has taken our armaments from the field of international friction. The helpful visit of the President to so many South American countries will be augmented by his purpose to go to Mexico.
Our position toward all other people is neutral and impartial. Our chief motive is a great desire to be friendly. No foreign government regards us as a menace. We hold the respect of the world sufficiently to be usually sought as the arbitrator of its disputes.
Citation: Calvin Coolidge Says: Dispatches Written by Former-President Coolidge and Syndicated to Newspapers in 1930-1931 (Calvin Coolidge Memorial Foundation)
The Coolidge Foundation gratefully acknowledges the volunteer efforts of Craig Eyermann who prepared this document for digital publication.