Mr. Ehrman to Mr.
Loomis.
Consulate-General of the United States,
Panama, November 9, 1903.
No. 464.]
Sir: I have the honor to say that on the 5th
instant I received from the Committee of the Provisional Government a
circular letter (No. 1), dated November 4, 1903, informing me that
Panama had dissolved its [Page 253]
political relations with the Republic of Colombia and requesting me to
acknowledge receipt of circular. Inclosed please find translation of
circular letter, marked “A.” I immediately cabled the Department the
contents of said circular letter, and upon receipt of the Department’s
cable instructing me to acknowledge receipt of circular and await
instructions, I wrote acknowledging same. Please find copy of my letter,
marked “B.”
On receipt of the two telegrams from the Department in regard to entering
into relations with the local authorities here, being satisfied that
there was a de facto government established, and as there was no
opposition to same in the State of Panama, I wrote on the morning of the
7th to the committee, informing them that they would be held responsible
for the protection of the persons and property of American citizens, as
well as responsible for carrying out treaty obligations, in accordance
with treaties in regard to Isthmian territory. Inclosed please find copy
of my letter, marked “C.”
On the afternoon of the 8th instant I received a letter from the minister
of foreign relations, saying that the Republic of Panama would protect
American citizens and their property, as well as to carry out all treaty
obligations in regard to Isthmian territory. Inclosed find translation
of letter, marked “D.”
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Felix Ehrman,
United States
Vice-Consul-General.
A.
[Translation.]
Republic of Panama, Provisional
Government,
Panama, November 4,
1903.
Circular No. 1.
Sir: We have the honor of informing you,
for your knowledge and that of the Government which you represent,
that in this date a political movement has taken place by which the
former department of Panama is separated from the Republic of
Colombia, in order to constitute a new state under the name of
“Republic of Panama,” and that those who subscribe themselves have
received the honor of being designated to form the Committee of the
Provisional Government of the Republic.
We beg you to kindly acknowledge receipt and accept the sentiments of
consideration, which it is pleasing to subscribe ourselves.
Your attentive servants,
- J. A. Arango.
- Tomas Arias.
- Federico Boyd.
The Consul-General of the United States of
North America, Pte.
B.
Panama, November 5,
1903.
Messrs. J. A. Arango, Tomas
Arias, and Federico Boyd,
Committee of the Provisional Government,
Panama.
Sirs: I have the honor to acknowledge
receipt of your circular letter No. 1, dated November 4, 1903.
I am, sirs, very respectfully, yours,
Felix Ehrman,
United States
Vice-Consul-General.
[Page 254]
C.
Panama, November 7,
1903.
Messrs. J. A. Arango, Tomas
Arias, and Federico Boyd,
Committee of the Provisional Government,
present.
Gentlemen: As it appears that the people of
Panama have, by unanimous movement, dissolved their political
connection with the Republic of Colombia and resumed their
independence, and as there is no opposition to the Provisional
Government in the State of Panama, I have to inform you that the
Provisional Government will be held responsible for the protection
of the persons and property of citizens of the United States, as
well as to keep the Isthmian transit free, in accordance with
obligations of existing treaties relative to the Isthmian
territory.
I have the honor to remain, gentlemen,
very respectfully,
Felix Ehrman,
United States
Vice-Consul-General.
D.
[Translation.]
Republic of Panama,
Panama, November 8,
1903.
No. 2.]
Sir: The Committee of the Provisional
Government, informed of your communication of yesterday, has
requested me to inform you that the Republic of Panama shelters the
most sincere determination of protecting, as it has so far
protected, the lives and properties of the United States citizens,
determination that involves for the Republic a sacred and pleasant
duty, and that in regard to the obligations existing on account of
treaties in connection with the Isthmian territories heretofore with
the Republic of Colombia are now with the Republic of Panama that
has substituted the former in them and their rights.
With the sentiments of the highest consideration, I beg to
remain,
Very attentive servant,
The Vice-Consul-General of the United States
of America.
