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【门罗主义】1823年国情咨文(节选)

2023-01-13 17:41 作者:Cpt_Speirs  | 我要投稿

1823年12月2日,詹姆斯·门罗总统向美国国会递交了这份国情咨文。

门罗总统在这份咨文中高调将美洲视为美国的势力范围,并宣布会将其他列强介入美洲的行为视为对美国的敌对行为。从华盛顿总统以来,美国持续奉行孤立主义,在各场战争中保持中立,而此宣言一出,美国无疑是将手伸到了整个美洲,但仍未打破其与旧世界的孤立关系。许多人认为,这份国情咨文标志着“门罗主义”的出现。因此这份国情咨文中有关外交的部分也被称为“门罗宣言”。

由于该国情咨文原文过长,本专栏仅截取涉及外交的部分(即门罗宣言),完整版英文原文请看此专栏:https://www.bilibili.com/read/cv21183675

提示:门罗宣言最核心的内容在第19段。


A precise knowledge of our relations with foreign powers as respects our negotiations and transactions with each is thought to be particularly necessary. Equally necessary is it that we should form a just estimate of our resources, revenue, and progress in every kind of improvement connected with the national prosperity and public defense.

各位都同意,尤其同意有必要详细了解我们与列强的外交关系,包括我们之间的谈判和贸易。同时还需要正确估算出每一项同国家经济和国防发展相关事务所占有的资源、获得的收入,以及其取得的进展。 


It is by rendering justice to other nations that we may expect it from them. It is by our ability to resent injuries and redress wrongs that we may avoid them.

我们曾保证其他国家的公正权益,正因此我们才希望他们也能如此回报我们。我们不愿看到有人受伤,同时能够及时纠正错误,如此才能避开犯错。


The commissioners under the 5th article of the treaty of Ghent, having disagreed in their opinions respecting that portion of the boundary between the Territories of the United States and of Great Britain the establishment of which had been submitted to them, have made their respective reports in compliance with that article, that the same might be referred to the decision of a friendly power. It being manifest, however, that it would be difficult, if not impossible, for any power to perform that office without great delay and much inconvenience to itself, a proposal has been made by this Government, and acceded to by that of Great Britain, to endeavor to establish that boundary by amicable negotiation.

委员会对涉及美国和英国之间的部分边界划分意见未能达成一致,按照《根特条约》第五条规定提交了各自的报告,报告将其交由某个友好国家裁决。不过,即使我们假设其可行,任何列强都很难在不得罪任何一方的情况下,且短时间内完成这一职务,因此,我国提出双方努力通过友好协商确立边界线,该提议被英国政府接受。


It appearing from long experience that no satisfactory arrangement could be formed of the commercial intercourse between the United States and the British colonies in this hemisphere by legislative acts while each party pursued its own course without agreement or concert with the other, a proposal has been made to the British Government to regulate this commerce by treaty, as it has been to arrange in like manner the just claim of the citizens of the United States inhabiting the States and Territories bordering on the lakes and rivers which empty into the St. Lawrence to the navigation of that river to the ocean. For these and other objects of high importance to the interests of both parties a negotiation has been opened with the British Government which it is hoped will have a satisfactory result.

从长期经验判断,似乎美国和西半球的英属各殖民领无法通过合法方式在贸易交流的问题上达成令人满意的共识,双方都只在乎自己国家的事务,都无法顾忌彼国关切的事务,我们向英国政府提议,通过条约来解决管理商贸,正如我们曾经解决居住在五大湖边界和圣劳伦斯河流域的美国公民有权通过河流进入海洋的正当权利一样。我们已经就这些要求和其他涉及双方核心利益的要求,同英国政府展开了谈判,我希望谈判能取得令人满意的结果。


The commissioners under the 6th and 7th articles of the treaty of Ghent having successfully closed their labors in relation to the 6th, have proceeded to the discharge of those relating to the 7th. Their progress in the extensive survey required for the performance of their duties justifies the presumption that it will be completed in the ensuing year.

委员会还负责《根特条约》的第6条、第7条,目前有关第6条的相关工作已经结束,委员会正在继续进行落实第7条的相关工作。委员会成员履行职务,集思广益,相关工作可能在明年结束。


The negotiation which had been long depending with the French Government on several important subjects, and particularly for a just indemnity for losses sustained in the late wars by the citizens of the United States under unjustifiable seizures and confiscations of their property, has not as yet had the desired effect. As this claim rests on the same principle with others which have been admitted by the French Government, it is not perceived on what just ground it can be rejected. A minister will be immediately appointed to proceed to France and resume the negotiation on this and other subjects which may arise between the two nations.

我们同法国政府也在诸多重要事务上展开谈判,尤其是对在近期的几场战争中遭到无理扣押和没收财产的美国公民进行索赔,但尚未得到法方理想的答复。我们要求索赔所基于的原则,是法国政府同样认可的,因此法方没有正当理由驳回我们的索求。很快,我国将向法国派出一名使节,就两国在此事和其他事物上重新开始谈判。


At the proposal of the Russian Imperial Government, made through the minister of the Emperor residing here, a full power and instructions have been transmitted to the minister of the United States at St. Petersburg to arrange by amicable negotiation the respective rights and interests of the two nations on the North West coast of this continent. A similar proposal had been made by His Imperial Majesty to the Government of Great Britain, which has likewise been acceded to. The Government of the United States has been desirous by this friendly proceeding of manifesting the great value which they have invariably attached to the friendship of the Emperor and their solicitude to cultivate the best understanding with his Government. 

关于一份由俄罗斯皇帝驻美大臣提出、再由俄罗斯帝国政府交付的提议中,我已全权将指令下达给美国驻圣彼得堡的官员,通过友好协商来处理两国在美洲西北海岸各自的权利。沙皇陛下提出的提议,同英国政府的十分类似,自然被我们同样接受。美国政府一直希望通过友好行为,表现出我们十分珍视同沙皇陛下的友谊,以力图同俄罗斯政府达成最佳共识。


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

在这些涉及我国利益的谈判期间,在我们认为条约可以生效,准备结束会议签字的同时,美洲大陆上的许多国家已经赢得自由与独立,基于美国的权利和利益准则,今后这些国家不应再被视作欧洲列强的附属殖民领。


Since the close of the last session of Congress the commissioners and arbitrators for ascertaining and determining the amount of indemnification which may be due to citizens of the United States under the decision of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Russia, in conformity to the convention concluded at St. Petersburg on July 12th, 1822, have assembled in this city, and organized themselves as a board for the performance of the duties assigned to them by that treaty. The commission constituted under the 11th article of the treaty of February 22nd, 1819, between the United States and Spain is also in session here, and as the term of three years limited by the treaty for the execution of the trust will expire before the period of the next regular meeting of Congress, the attention of the Legislature will be drawn to the measures which may be necessary to accomplish the objects for which the commission was instituted.

自上次国会结束以来,根据1822年7月12日美俄两国在圣彼得堡共同签署的协议,俄罗斯皇帝陛下决定在华盛顿组织委员会和仲裁会,以查清裁定俄方应给予美国公民的补偿数额,以履行条约委员会的职责。根据美西两国在1819年2月22日签署的条约,两国委员会也会在这里展开会晤,由于条约的有效执行期只有3年,条约会在下届国会召开前到期,请立法机构为委员会提供一切必要帮助,协助条约得以履行。


In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives adopted at their last session, instructions have been given to all the ministers of the United States accredited to the powers of Europe and America to propose the proscription of the African slave trade by classing it under the denomination, and inflicting on its perpetrators the punishment, of piracy. Should this proposal be acceded to, it is not doubted that this odious and criminal practice will be promptly and entirely suppressed. It is earnestly hoped that it will be acceded to, from the firm belief that it is the most effectual expedient that can be adopted for the purpose.

根据上届众议院做出的决议,我已向欧洲列强和美洲各国的大使下达指令,提议在各国下辖领土内禁止黑奴贸易,将其归类为海盗行为,并对一切从事奴隶贸易者施以的惩罚。如果各国接受此提议,这种恶劣的犯罪行为很快就将彻底销声匿迹。我们衷心希望各国加入我们,因为我们相信这是为达解放奴隶事业最有效的途径。


At the commencement of the recent war between France and Spain it was declared by the French Government that it would grant no commissions to privateers, and that neither the commerce of Spain herself nor of neutral nations should be molested by the naval force of France, except in the breach of a lawful blockade. This declaration, which appears to have been faithfully carried into effect, concurring with principles proclaimed and cherished by the United States from the first establishment of their independence, suggested the hope that the time had arrived when the proposal for adopting it as a permanent and invariable rule in all future maritime wars might meet the favorable consideration of the great European powers. Instructions have accordingly been given to our ministers with France, Russia, and Great Britain to make those proposals to their respective Governments, and when the friends of humanity reflect on the essential amelioration to the condition of the human race which would result from the abolition of private war on the sea and on the great facility by which it might be accomplished, requiring only the consent of a few sovereigns, an earnest hope is indulged that these overtures will meet with an attention animated by the spirit in which they were made, and that they will ultimately be successful.

在近期法国和西班牙之间的战争爆发伊始,法国政府就宣称他们不会雇佣私掠船,而且只要西班牙和各中立国的商船不违反海上封锁规则,法国海军就不会对其进行攻击。这一宣称已经得到确切落实,其与美国建国之初提倡并捍卫的原则相符,这也就说明,我们提出的原则得到了欧洲列强的认可,有望在未来的海上战事中成为一条长期原则。因此,我已向法国、俄罗斯和英国的使者下达指示,向各国政府正式递交以上提议,这些人道主义提议旨在终结海上的私掠战争,以从根本上改善全人类的生活状态,要完成这一伟大目标,需要各主权国家的一致支持,我们衷心希望,这些提议可以得到同样友好、仁爱的态度对待,并最终取得成功。


The ministers who were appointed to the Republics of Colombia and Buenos Ayres during the last session of Congress proceeded shortly afterwards to their destinations. Of their arrival there official intelligence has not yet been received. The minister appointed to the Republic of Chile will sail in a few days. An early appointment will also be made to Mexico. A minister has been received from Colombia, and the other Governments have been informed that ministers, or diplomatic agents of inferior grade, would be received from each, accordingly as they might prefer the one or the other.

上次国会期间,我们任命到哥伦比亚共和国和布宜诺斯艾利斯共和国的大使,在闭会不久后就会赶往驻地。我们尚未受到他们抵达目的地的消息。派往智利共和国的大使也将很快出发。我们也会争取早日向墨西哥派遣使者。哥伦比亚的一位使者已经抵达我国,其他国家政府也已告知我国,他们会相应根据自己需求,向我国派遣使者或次级外交官。


The minister appointed to Spain proceeded soon after his appointment for Cadiz, the residence of the Sovereign to whom he was accredited. In approaching that port the frigate which conveyed him was warned off by the commander of the French squadron by which it was blockaded and not permitted to enter, although apprised by the captain of the frigate of the public character of the person whom he had on board, the landing of whom was the sole object of his proposed entry. This act, being considered an infringement of the rights of ambassadors and of nations, will form a just cause of complaint to the Government of France against the officer by whom it was committed.

我国派遣到西班牙的使者前往加的斯任职,因为他被任命时,西班牙国王就住在加的斯(1820年西班牙人为拥护宪法而革命,西班牙国王费迪南德七世被扣押在加的斯)。靠近港口时,护送使者的我军护卫舰遭到法国舰队指挥官的警告,尽管我军护卫舰舰长解释称,船上的乘客是我国国家公职人员,我们只求能靠近海港、进入城市,法军还是坚称此地处于封锁,不得进入。我国将这种行为视为对国家外交大使权利的侵犯,我们会向法国政府提出合理诉讼,要求对相关人员进行处罚。


······

A strong hope has been long entertained, founded on the heroic struggle of the Greeks, that they would succeed in their contest and resume their equal station among the nations of the earth. It is believed that the whole civilized world take a deep interest in their welfare. Although no power has declared in their favor, yet none according to our information, has taken part against them. Their cause and their name have protected them from dangers which might ere this have overwhelmed any other people. The ordinary calculations of interest and of acquisition with a view to aggrandizement, which mingles so much in the transactions of nations, seem to have had no effect in regard to them. From the facts which have come to our knowledge there is good cause to believe that their enemy has lost forever all dominion over them; that Greece will become again an independent nation. That she may obtain that rank is the object of our most ardent wishes.

希腊人民做着英勇的斗争,有很大希望重新赢得同世界各国平起平坐的地位。我相信希腊人民的幸福能使整个文明世界受益。即使没有列强公开支持希腊,但根据我们的情报,也没有列强会采取行动镇压他们。希腊人的事业与名字庇佑着他们,让此前一直排山倒海般摧毁其他民族的危险无法伤他们分毫。奥斯曼通过开疆扩土,靠在各国贸易中攫取私利的算盘似乎最终落空了。以我们获悉的情况来看,我们相信奥斯曼人已经彻底丧失了希腊的统治权;希腊将再一次成为独立国家。我们也诚心希望,她能取得胜利。


It was stated at the commencement of the last session that a great effort was then making in Spain and Portugal to improve the condition of the people of those countries, and that it appeared to be conducted with extraordinary moderation. It need scarcely be remarked that the result has been so far very different from what was then anticipated. Of events in that quarter of the globe, with which we have so much intercourse and from which we derive our origin, we have always been anxious and interested spectators.

上一次会议开始时,西班牙和葡萄牙在尽力改善美洲各地人民的生活状况,不过改革手段极其温和。不必多说,改革的效果远远未达他们的预期。两国全球各地的殖民地都爆发反抗,其中有许多地区同我们关联紧密,我们也从他们身上看到独立之初的美国,我国虽未介入,但是对此十分关切。


The citizens of the United States cherish sentiments the most friendly in favor of the liberty and happiness of their fellow men on that side of the Atlantic. In the wars of the European powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, nor does it comport with our policy so to do.

美国公民对大西洋彼岸的同胞怀有最友善的态度,强烈希望他们也能得到自由和快乐。在欧洲列强间的战争中,我们没有参与干涉,干涉战争也同我们的政策背道而驰。


It is only when our rights are invaded or seriously menaced that we resent injuries or make preparation for our defense. With the movements in this hemisphere we are of necessity more immediately connected, and by causes which must be obvious to all enlightened and impartial observers.

只要当我们的权利受到令人憎恶的严重侵犯时,我们才会准备以战争手段保护自己。随着西半球的地缘政治变动,我们必定会更加紧密地团结在一起,与智者和正者共同投身伟大事业。


The political system of the allied powers is essentially different in this respect from that of America. This difference proceeds from that which exists in their respective Governments; and to the defense of our own, which has been achieved by the loss of so much blood and treasure, and matured by the wisdom of their most enlightened citizens, and under which we have enjoyed unexampled felicity, this whole nation is devoted.

在这方面,神圣同盟各国的政治制度和美国的政治制度存在着根本区别。这种区别源自各国政府;为了保卫祖国,我国人民有的抛头颅洒热血,有的散尽家财,还有最杰出的部分公民为国贡献智慧,因此我们全国才能够享有前所未有的幸福。


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 maintained 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.

因此,本着坦诚的品质和同欧洲列强的友好关系,我们有责任事先声明,欧洲列强任何试图将其政治制度传播至西半球的行为,我们都视为威胁美国的和平和安全。我们从未干涉,将来也不会干涉欧洲各国及其已有的殖民地,但是考虑到正义原则,对于那些同我国一样,已经宣布独立、得到承认、并希望独立自主的各国政府,我们不允许欧洲列强以任何方式干涉它们、压迫它们、控制它们的命运,否则都将视为对美国的敌对表现。


In the war between those new Governments and Spain we declared our neutrality at the time of their recognition, and to this we have adhered, and shall continue to adhere, provided no change shall occur which, in the judgment of the competent authorities of this Government, shall make a corresponding change on the part of the United States indispensable to their security.

我国承认了各国新政府,同时也在美洲各国和西班牙的战争中宣布了中立,在局势不出现改变的情况下,我们坚持且会继续坚持这一立场,但美国的国家安全同这些国家密不可分,我们会同本政府中出色的权威人士做出判断,让美国做出相应调整。


The late events in Spain and Portugal shew that Europe is still unsettled. Of this important fact no stronger proof can be adduced than that the allied powers should have thought it proper, on any principle satisfactory to themselves, to have interposed by force in the internal concerns of Spain. To what extent such interposition may be carried, on the same principle, is a question in which all independent powers whose governments differ from theirs are interested, even those most remote, and surely none more so than the United States.

西班牙和葡萄牙近期发生的事件说明欧洲既然动荡不安。这一重要事实最能证明,神圣同盟出于自己利益而武力干涉西班牙内政。神圣同盟为了自身利益,能干涉西班牙到什么程度,这是各个独立国家的各类政府都十分关心的,即便最遥远的国家也不会充耳不闻,当然,美国是最关切这个问题的国家。


Our policy in regard to Europe, which was adopted at an early stage of the wars which have so long agitated that quarter of the globe, nevertheless remains the same, which is, not to interfere in the internal concerns of any of its powers; to consider the government de facto as the legitimate government for us; to cultivate friendly relations with it, and to preserve those relations by a frank, firm, and manly policy, meeting in all instances the just claims of every power, submitting to injuries from none.

我们对欧洲的政策,即不干涉任何欧洲国家的内政,依然如拿破仑战争早期一样,这场战争长期肆虐着全球四分之一的土地;我们将欧洲各国政府视为同我们一样的合法政府;我们会同欧洲国家建立友好关系,用坦率、坚定、强而有力的政策维持同各国的关系,满足每一个国家的合理要求,不损害任何国家的权益。


But in regard to those continents circumstances are eminently and conspicuously different. It is impossible that the allied powers should extend their political system to any portion of either continent without endangering our peace and happiness; nor can anyone believe that our southern brethren, if left to themselves, would adopt it of their own accord. It is equally impossible, therefore, that we should behold such interposition in any form with indifference. If we look to the comparative strength and resources of Spain and those new Governments, and their distance from each other, it must be obvious that she can never subdue them. It is still the true policy of the United States to leave the parties to themselves, in the hope that other powers will pursue the same course.

但我们对于美洲大陆的政策,就大不一样了。神圣同盟想要将其政治制度扩至南北美洲任何地区,都势必会损害我国的和平幸福;也没有人相信,我们南方的兄弟是自愿接受这一制度的。因此,欧洲势力干涉美洲时,我们同样不可能坐以待毙。如果我们对比西班牙和美洲各国的国力、资源和相隔距离,不言而喻,西班牙永远无法征服美洲各国。美国真正的政策是让所有国家独立自主,希望列强能与我国政策保持一致。

欧洲列强对“美国卫兵”身后的美洲人民虎视眈眈

声明:本人仅按照原文翻译内容,演讲内容不代表本人观点。此专栏仅供历史和英语交流学习使用,任何读者皆可引用本人的译本。


希望来学习英语的观众明白:我觉得这些专栏的主要精华在于英语原文,而并非我的译本,我的译本很大程度上只是供来学习历史的观众使用的。本人的英语水平一般,翻译得并不会多么精彩,只能在你看不懂时来帮助你了解这些演讲内容最基本的意思,而且翻译时难免会出现差错,切勿直接完全以我的译本为标准。如发现有翻译错误或者歧义内容,欢迎指正。


希望来学习历史的观众明白:任何历史人物都有一定的局限性,随着时代发展,很多观点看法可能已经不再适用今天的世界,西方的观点也不一定适用于我们。通过了解这些演讲,仅可给我们提供一个更全面了解过去和世界的渠道。我们可以从优秀的历史、当代人物身上学到很多,但是请保持独立思考,理性看待演讲内容,切勿全信或将其奉为真理。 



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