133. Telegram From the Ambassador in Panama (Harrington) to the Department of State1
384. I handed Foreign Minister today letter expressing amazement and disappointment Panamanian rejection our radar sites request and urging further reflection in effort to avoid consequences we both would deplore particularly at this time. Letter of which copies being airmailed2 pointed out development of high speed aircraft and atomic weapons is precisely type of unforeseeable contingency envisaged by Article II 1936 treaty and to regard request as “military convenience” is to disregard judgement of experienced technicians in field of electronics and guided missiles. Letter added that oral offer negotiate new treaty was unnecessary in view of specific terms of 1936 treaty.
Orally I told Foreign Minister his decision looked like deliberate attempt to avoid cooperation with US on defense matter of vital importance to both countries and that it raised important points in our relations with Panama. I expressed surprise that it took 6 months for Panamanians to decide 1936 treaty afforded no basis for such request and reminded him that when he personally asked me to postpone pressing for decision until local elections had passed he asked me to believe request could be more sympathetically considered if it were kept out political campaign. I told Foreign Minister Secretary Dulles was personally interested and disturbed but assured him in conclusion he could count on our full cooperation and assistance at Presidential gathering here next month irrespective of present issue.
Boyd was grateful for opportunity to give problem further thought and said he would send my letter to Foreign Relations Council which made decision contained in his aide-mémoire and would urge early action. I left in friendlier atmosphere than I had anticipated.