Date: October 31, 1930
Location: Northampton, MA
(Original document available here)
Too much emphasis cannot be placed on the constructive efforts our government is making for international peace. We have not only secured by two epoch-making treaties an agreement among the great naval powers for complete limitation on the building of all kinds of war vessels, but we are taking an active part in the movement to compose the differences between France and Italy so that they may be able to join in a treaty to the same end.
When Europe is financially depressed, when taxation is an almost unbearable burden, her people and governments will naturally desire to take advantage at once of the savings that can be made in public expenditure by reduced armaments. They could then avoid the new outlays for fortifications and other equipment proposed in the name of national security. Unless the burden is diminished the people involved will reach a point where national security will be of no benefit. They will have nothing to secure.
We should not criticize. We should not underestimate their great difficulties. It is only through true sympathy that we can help. We seek to promote a humanitarian policy of peace and friendship among distressed people.
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 Robert Manchester who prepared this document for digital publication.