HARING GOES OVER NICARAGUA POLICY

In a speech delivered at the Liberal Club yesterday afternoon, C. H. Haring '07, Professor of Latin-American History at Harvard, briefly outlined the background of our relations with Nicaragua. At 1:30 o'clock today, at the Liberal Club J. F. Moors, a member of the Corporation and Fellow of the University, will argue against intervention.

"The United States and Mexico first intervened jointly, in Central America, in 1906 stated Professor Haring. "Our purpose was to re-establish peace between Guatemala and Salvador. In 1907 Nicaragua and Honduras went to war and the United States and Mexico again mediated, the countries agreeing to submit future disputes to the arbitration of the mediating powers. This was followed by the Washington treaties of 1907. We were trying to establish peace in Central America.

Conservatives Rebelled

"In 1909 the conservative element in Nicaragua rebelled against the Liberal president, and forced him out, the United States recognizing the new government because the Liberal dictator had been repeatedly an obstacle to international peace."

Professor Haring continued to explain that the new government asked for financial aid, which it obtained from the New York bankers. Faced with revolution, the conservative government in 1912 again asked for assistance, and a legation guard was stationed at Managua. The alternative was a recurrence of political and financial anarchy. The marines stayed from 1912 until 1924 and their presence helped maintain order, although it caused resentment in Central America and evoked the cry of "dollar imperialism." In 1919 Nicaragua was able to buy back her railway and in 1924 her bank which had been controlled by the New York bankers pending the stabilization of Nicaragua's currency.

Marines Withdrawn in '24

"In 1924 the marines were withdrawn under the condition that Nicaragua establish a constabulary", Professor Haring went on. "Shortly afterwards an election was held and the former liberal party came into power. The American government recognized the new regime. In the spring of 1925, the conservatives started a revolution and put themselves in control. What has happened since then has already been explained in the CRIMSON.

Why U. S. Intervenes

"One asks why we intervene. It is because of our extraordinary size, population, and wealth in comparison with neighboring states, the strategic relation of the Caribbean lands to our own shores and the necessity of defending the Panama Canal. This paramount interest has no connection with the Monroe Doctrine. Other countries are free to invest in Central America, but we must see that the Republics do not give European powers a chance to intervene on account of misbehavior."