↑Prepared letter --↓
To be sent to Edward Mead [Earle], Moon, Latane, and Putney:
At the last session of the Congress Senator Shipstead introduced at the request of the Women's International League, Senate Resolution #15, formerly Senate Resolution #22, introduced by the late Senator Ladd. Two hearings have been held, first in February, 1925 and then in January 1927. The question of introducing fresh legislation in the next Congress was brought up for discussion at the annual meeting of the [Women's] International League which was held in Cleveland the first of May.There have been criticisms of Senate Resolution #15 from various standpoints -- that it has no "teeth" in it; that it offers no constructive "way out;" also the bill deals entirely with intervention for the protection of investments and some of us are of the opinion that the future trend of American imperialism is not so much for intervention on economic grounds but more toward political, military or strategical intervention. We are very anxious, therefore, to have expert opinion and advice on future legislation. Particularly we would like suggestions for constructive methods which would deal with political imperialism as well as economic imperialism. Any suggestions you give us would be treated as confidential if you indicate it would be your desire.
Do you think it [would] be useful to have a small informal meeting of experts in this field and interested persons, in order to discuss a possible program either for legislation along the lines of our bill or reciprocity treaties, etc. for such groups as ours to [inaugurate]?
I [think we] are realists enough to be [aware] that no legislation as such will stop the development of American imperialism, but we do feel that there may be effective methods by which this development may be checked if not modified and controlled.
We should be very grateful for your advice and suggestions.
Faithfully yours,
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