“…the occasion has been judged proper for asserting, as a principle in which the rights and interests of
the United States are involved, that the American continents, by the free and independent condition
which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future
colonization by any European powers…
In the wars of the European powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, nor
does it comport with our policy to do so. It is only when our rights are invaded or seriously menaced
that we…make preparation for our defense….We owe it, therefore, to candor and to the amicable
relations existing between the United States and those powers to declare that we should consider any
attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our
peace and safety. With the existing colonies or dependencies of any European power we have not
interfered and shall not interfere. But with the Governments who have declared their independence and
maintain it, and whose independence we have, on great consideration and on just principles,
acknowledged, we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling in
any other manner their destiny, by any European power in any other light than as the manifestation of
an unfriendly disposition toward the United States.
Our policy in regard to Europe, which was adopted at an early stage of the wars which have so long
agitated that quarter of the globe, nevertheless remains the same, which is, not to interfere in the
internal concerns of any of its powers…
…It is still the true policy of the United States to leave the parties to themselves, in hope that other
powers will pursue the same course.”