John Jay, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, using the penname “Publius,” publishes “Federalist #3.”  In paragraphs 15 and 17 he argues that a Union with a single foreign policy would less likely to be attacked by hostile foreign powers, and less likely to be drawn into war:

       The neighborhood of Spanish and British territories, bordering on some States and not on others, naturally confines the causes of quarrel more immediately to the borderers.  The bordering States, if any, will be those who, under the impulse of sudden irritation, and a quick sense of apparent interest or injury, will be most likely, by direct violence, to excite war with these nations; and nothing can so effectually obviate that danger as a national government, whose wisdom and prudence will not be diminished by the passions which actuate the parties immediately interested.

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       Besides, it is well known that acknowledgments, explanations, and compensations are often accepted as satisfactory from a strong united nation, which would be rejected as unsatisfactory if offered by a State or confederacy of little consideration or power.

       [restored 11/29/2024]