Washington's Farewell Address - It is our rule to stay away from permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world, so far... I think that principle is just as important to public and private affairs that honesty is always the best policy. But in my opinion it is unnecessary and would be unwise." What did Washington mean when he wrote that the principle "honesty is the best policy" should be applied to foreign relations like treaties 1 There was no need to hide that the US intended to avoid permanent alliances in the future 2 He thought that foreign relations should be focused solely on economic interests 3 He didn't want the United States to have any foreign relations or alliances at all • It's better to have secret agreements with other countries to protect American interests
Based on the provided statement, option 1, "There was no need to hide that the US intended to avoid permanent alliances in the future," is the most accurate interpretation of Washington's meaning. Washington believed that the principle of honesty, or being transparent and forthright, should be applied to foreign relations and treaties. He did not want to hide or deceive other nations about the United States' intention to avoid permanent alliances.
