It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances

Question

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
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)
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.
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
O
publicly maintain a separation from other
nations' policies.

Answer 1

When Washington wrote that the maxim "honesty is the best policy" should be applied to foreign relations, he meant that there was no need to be coy about U.S. intentions to avoid permanent alliances in the future. This reflects his belief in the importance of being straightforward and truthful in the country's foreign policy, advocating for clarity and integrity in its dealings with other nations. Thus, the correct answer is:

There was no need to be coy about U.S. intentions to avoid permanent alliances in the future.