Minister Barrett to
the Secretary of State.
American Legation,
Panama, January 24,
1905.
No. 91.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose for the
Department’s information, and as a matter of record, copies of
correspondence exchanged between this legation and the Panama foreign
office in regard to the treaty stipulations on the question of the
proper sanitation of Panama. * * *
It is gratifying to note that my letter to the foreign office, which was
supported by a personal interview, resulted in immediate action by the
Panama Government in compliance with my suggestion.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 1.]
Minister Barrett to the Minister of
Government, and Foreign Affairs.
American Legation,
Panama, January 19,
1905.
Mr. Minister: Your excellency’s government
is doubtless fully aware of the importance of carrying on the
sanitation of the city of Panama as rapidly as possible in order to
prevent the spread of yellow fever and the increase of malaria.
Inasmuch as my government is greatly concerned in seeing no delay
for which the American people may censure it and which may react
unfavorably upon the health of the large number of employees of the
Canal Commission, I have the honor to request that your excellency’s
government, with its characteristic courtesy, will see fit to make
answer at the very earliest moment to the letter addressed by
Governor Davis of the Canal Zone to your excellency on January
11:
In this he lays the situation before you, in part, in the following
terms:
“Section 7 of the canal convention, and especially the second
paragraph of the said section, contemplates the doing of certain
work by the United States Government, and the incurring of certain
expenses in Panama in a possible contingency. That contingency, as I
understand it, would arrive if the Government of Panama should be
unable or fail to carry out the sanitary measures which are deemed
by the Isthmian Canal Commission to be essential to safeguard the
health of the canal workmen. If your excellency should advise me of
the fact by sending me a notification such as it would seem was
contemplated by the second paragraph of article 7, or should inform
me that it was impracticable for the Republic of Panama to carry out
the works of sanitation which have been projected as necessary to
safeguard the health, then in that event it is my understanding that
the Government of the United States would proceed with this work and
that the Government of Panama would enforce the rules set down in
the sanitary regulations before referred to.”
Trusting that the Panama Government will appreciate the urgency of my
recommendation, especially in view of the considerable time that has
elapsed since the discussion of this subject first began many months
ago between the Panama and Zone governments, I beg to express the
hope that you will favor Governor Davis with a definite answer
within the next few days. I then shall be able to advise my
government that every precaution is being taken, both by Panama and
the United States, to prevent the further spread of yellow
fever.
I beg, etc.,
[Page 707]
Inclosure
2.—Translation.]
The Minister of Government
and Foreign Affairs to Minister Barrett.
Panama, January 21,
1905.
Mr. Minister: I have the honor to answer
your excellency’s esteemed note of the 19th instant and to embody
herewith a copy of the communication which I addressed to the
governor of the Canal Zone in respect to the question of
sanitation:
“The Governor of the Canal
Zone.
Sir: Sanitary matters are by decree
referred by the secretary of state to the secretary of
improvements.
However, His Excellency the President of the Republic can authorize
any action for the public services through one or other of the
secretaries, even should the action not come directly under the
jurisdiction of the secretary in question.
I make this explanation because I am treating of the matter of
sanitation, which does not come completely under my jurisdiction. I
have conferred with the secretary of improvements and he has
declared himself willing that I should decide the matter, as I am
better informed about the situation.
Therefore, in accordance with the desire of my colleague, and duly
authorized by His Excellency the President of the Republic, I have
the honor to inform you that in conformity with article 7 of the
canal treaty, I consider that the time has arrived to declare that
the Government of Panama does not find itself in the proper
condition to carry out the sanitary regulations of the Isthmian
Canal Commission which you have submitted for the consideration of
my government, but they are approved in every way, subject to
modifications made, following suggestions from this office, and it
is hoped that these regulations will be put into force
immediately.
I shall issue an order to this effect and publish it in the Official
Gazette.
I thus had the honor to answer the governor’s favor of the 11th
instant.
With the assurance, etc.,
