Mr. Hay to Mr. Ehrman.
Washington, November 6, 1903. (Sent 12.51 p.m.)
The people of Panama have, by an apparently unanimous movement, dissolved their political connection with the Republic of Colombia and resumed their independence. When you are satisfied that a de facto government, republican in form, and without substantial opposition from its own people, has been established in the State of Panama, you will enter into relations with it as the responsible government of the territory and look to it for all due action to protect the persons and property of citizens of the United States and to keep open the isthmian transit in accordance with the obligations of existing treaties governing the relation of the United States to that territory.
Communicate above to Malmros, who will be governed by these instructions in entering into relations with the local authorities.