It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances 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 infidelity to existing engagements. i hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy. i repeat it, therefore, let those engagements be observed in their genuine sense. but, in my opinion, it is unnecessary and would be unwise to extend them. the excerpt above is from george washington's farewell address, which was printed in philadelphia's american daily advertiser on september 19, 1796. what issue was washington addressing in the passage above? a. he did not want the united states to become too involved in the affairs of other countries. b. he did not want the united states to export goods to other countries. c. he wanted the united states to make more alliances with other countries. d. he wanted the united states to end the slave trade.