It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world; so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it; for let me not be understood as capable of patronizing [supporting] infidelity [disloyalty; unfaithfulness] to existing engagements. I hold the maxim [wise saying] no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy. I repeat, therefore, let those engagements be observed in their genuine sense. But, in my opinion, it is unnecessary and would be unwise to extend them.
- Washington’s Farewell Address
Question
Use the excerpt to answer the question.
What did Washington mean when he wrote that the maxim “honesty is the best policy” should be applied to foreign relations?
(1 point)
Responses
The United States should have announced that it was cutting off relations with other nations.
The United States should have announced that it was cutting off relations with other nations.
The United States should have terminated its formal relationships with European nations.
The United States should have terminated its formal relationships with European nations.
There was no need to be coy about U.S. intentions to avoid permanent alliances in the future.
There was no need to be coy about U.S. intentions to avoid permanent alliances in the future.
The president should privately reassure foreign leaders that America stands with them but publicly maintain a separation from other nations’ policies.
The president should privately reassure foreign leaders that America stands with them but publicly maintain a separation from other nations’ policies.
The correct answer is: The president should privately reassure foreign leaders that America stands with them but publicly maintain a separation from other nations' policies.
To answer this question, we need to analyze the given excerpt from Washington's Farewell Address. In the excerpt, Washington states, "in my opinion, it is unnecessary and would be unwise to extend them." The "them" referred to in this statement are the existing engagements or alliances.
Washington also mentions the maxim, "honesty is always the best policy," and asserts that it should be applied to public affairs, specifically to foreign relations.
Considering these statements, we can deduce that Washington meant the following: It is unnecessary and unwise for the United States to extend or form new alliances with other nations. Instead, the United States should be honest and straightforward about its intention to avoid permanent alliances.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is: The president should privately reassure foreign leaders that America stands with them but publicly maintain a separation from other nations' policies.