John Jay: Draft of the Proclamation of Neutrality

Explanation and Analysis of the Document

Few documents so clearly demonstrate Jay's concern with trade and foreign relations as does his draft of the Proclamation of Neutrality. It also shows the close relationship between Jay and George Washington and the degree to which the president sought his counsel and advice. The proclamation issued by Washington on April 22, 1793, while consistent in tone and spirit with the Jay draft, was less specific and briefer than Jay's. Jay points out in his draft that although the leaders in government in the United States regret the sad fate of the deposed and deceased king of France, the new government of France is a fact, and it should be recognized by other nations as the legitimate government. Jay sets forth an argument that not only is it in the best interests of the United States to abide by the law of nations but also that the United States has a duty to do so.

In this context, Jay suggests that the law of nations dictates an acceptance of the revolutionary government of France. Jay cautions against the problems that the United States would face if it were to act in any fashion other than neutrally toward all nations regardless of the relationship among the other nations. From Jay's perspective, no good could come from the United States becoming enmeshed in the conflict between France and Austria or Prussia—or indeed any conflict between any two other nations unless the interests of the United States were clearly at risk. Jay argues that only a strictly neutral position as to any belligerence could cultivate peace and prosperity through international relations. Both the Jay's draft and the actual proclamation delivered by Washington warned the citizens of the United States to take no action that could imperil the position of neutrality and to avoid provoking, through private acts, any of the belligerent powers. This warning that the government would not tolerate or support any private action that could provoke an attack on or the entanglement of the United States in belligerence established an important monopoly of power for the federal government over foreign affairs. In essence, the Proclamation of Neutrality made clear that only the central government had power in the international relations arena; private citizens were not free to engage other nations in conflict.