John Jay: Draft of the Proclamation of Neutrality

( 1793 ) Commentary by Charles Anthony Smith, University of California - Irvine

“It is no less the duty than the interest of the United States strictly to observe that conduct towards all nations which the law of nations prescribes. And whereas war actually exists between France on the one side and Austria, Prussia, Great Britain, and the United Netherlands on the other… it is our duty by a conduct strictly neutral and inoffensive to cultivate and preserve peace.” - Draft of the Proclamation of Neutrality

John Jay (Library of Congress)

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