Hull became Secretary of State under President Franklin
D. Roosevelt, and just as soon had the distinction
Of implementing his “good neighbor policy” with representatives
Of 21 American nations. Three years later, he took the initiative
For the Inter-American Peace Conference, for a joint ideology:
Key aspects included the requirement to create peace within
One’s country, consult often with others and begin
Closer bonds through free trade, solve conflicts by mediation,
And, if acts of war broke out, remain neutral, reign in
Support, prohibit loans and the export of all arms.
These neutrality mandates, strict but vague in terms,
Were designed to reinforce and maintain a free-trade economy.
Hull felt peace was absent between nations waging ‘economic war,’
And worked and lived to assure the United Nations’ core.
June Edvenson 