ico and friendly adjustment of the questions that must affect the two governments because of their relative position, this is all that the United States wishes from its southern neighbor.
Mexican relations are not the most important factor in American foreign policy. At times they may rise to that prominence, but they can not be so permanently. They are important in themselves always and they are important because they do touch the larger international policy above referred to. In fact, the United States has often held the balance in Mexican foreign affairs, as must be familiar to all acquainted with Mexican history. Far from being a power wishing to overthrow Mexican independence, the United States has been its bulwark. It is certainly open to doubt whether there would exist to-day an independent Mexico if it had not been for the influence of the United States. The policy of America for Americans has meant something because the United States has stood ready to defend the principle.
Frankly speaking, this policy has not been a purely idealistic one. The United States has been moved by altruistic motives, but its own political and economic interests also have influenced its actions. Mexico can count on the continuance of this service in the future whether it recognizes and welcomes the protection or not. Similarly, the desire that Mexico shall remain independent and shall become a strong state able to protect itself, or at least contribute powerfully to its own protection is not only an altruistic desire on the part of the United States.
