The citizens of the United States cherish sentiments the most friendly in favor of the liberty and happiness of their fellowmen (Europeans) on the other 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 to do so…. With the existing colonies or dependencies of any European power we have not interfered and shall not interfere. But with the Governments in the Americas who have declared their independence and maintain 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, by any European power, in any other light than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States