NEUTRALITY, PROCLAMATION OF
\njuːtɹˈalɪti], \njuːtɹˈalɪti], \n_j_uː_t_ɹ_ˈa_l_ɪ_t_i]\
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Upon the declaration of war between France and Great Britain in 1793 it was decided unanimously by President Washington and his Cabinet that a proclamation of neutrality should issue and that a French minister should be received. Jay was appointed to draft the proclamation. It declared the intention of the United States to pursue a line of conduct friendly to both nations, and enjoined upon the citizens to avoid a contravention of this disposition under pain of prosecution. Curiously enough the word "neutrality" was omitted in the proclamation, though enforced with fairness by the President. It was probably purposely omitted.
By John Franklin Jameson
