In the discussions to which this interest has given rise,
and in the arrangements by which they may terminate, the
occasion has been deemed proper for asserting as a principle
in which 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 power . . . 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.
