The record of American diplomacy

The complete record of [American] diplomacy is far beyond the scope of a single volume. Only a small part of the record is included here, and then, with a few exceptions, in edited form.... It seems desireable, nevertheless, to proivide an opportunity, particularly for college students, to read some of the important treaties, pronouncementws of statesmen, instructions to ministers, debates, speeches, editorials, and other materials that constitute or illustre the most substantial threads in the great fabric of American foreign relations.