On February 24, 1923, President Harding sent to the Senate a special message urging its “favorable advice and consent” to adhesion by the United States to the special protocol and statute establishing the Permanent Court of International Justice at the Hague. “Such action,” he said, “would add to our own consciousness of participation in the fortunate advancement of international relationship, and remind the world anew that we are ready for our proper part in furthering peace and adding to stability in world affairs.” He submitted also a schedule of reservations suggested by Secretary Hughes end recommended their adoption.
President Coolidge in his recent message to Congress said: For nearly 25 years we have been a member of the Hague Tribunal and have long sought the creation of a permanent world court of justice. I am in full accord with both of these policies and favor the establishment of such a court intended to include the whole world. That is and has long been an American policy.
“Pending before the Senate is a proposal that this Government give its support to the Permanent Court of International Justice, which is a new and somewhat different plan. This is not a partisan question, *** Partisanship has no place in our foreign relations.
As I wish to see a court established, and as the proposal presents the only practical plan on which many nations have ever agreed, though it may not meet every desire., I therefore commend it to the favorable consideration, of the Senate, with the proposed reservations clearly indicating, our refusal to adhere to the League of Nations.”
