Read: “Our great rule of conduct towards foreign nations is to expand our trade relations so that we have as few political ties
with them as possible. As much as we have already formed commitments, let us fulfill them, with perfect good faith. And let's stick with it.
Europe has a set of primordial interests, which with us have no relation, or even very distant. Consequently, it is engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Therefore, it is unwise for us to get involved, because of artificial ties, in the ordinary vicissitudes of its politics, or the ordinary combinations and conflicts of its friendships or enmities.
[...] Why give up the advantages of such a special situation? Why leave our own soil to stand in a foreign land? Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the labors of European ambitions, rivalries, interests, moods or whims?
It is our true policy to move forward free from Permanent Alliances with any part of the Foreign World - As far, I mean, as we are now able to do - do not believe me capable of recommending to be unfaithful to existing commitments, (I support the maxim no less applicable to public than private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy) - So I repeat, continue to apply these commitments in their true sense. But in my opinion, it is unnecessary and would be unwise to extend them. "
Q: What commitment is the author talking about in the last two sentences
