Office of the Historian

File No. 819.55/47.

The American Chargé d’Affaires to the Secretary of State.

[Telegram.]
American Legation,
Panama, December 3, 1913.

Minister for Foreign Affairs today grants following concessions in writing regarding application of Law 50:

  • First. Object of law is merely to enumerate the Chinese and prevent further immigration.
  • Second. Chinese possessing valid cédulas will obtain new ones on the payment of $3 United States gold.
  • Third. Old cédulas will not be destroyed but will be attached to the new.
  • Fourth. New cédulas state that they confirm to their possessors the right to reside permanently in the country.
  • Fifth. Chinese possessing none or invalid cédulas will be expelled, but may remain upon paying one-half of the tax required under the law, that is, $125 United States gold, and giving a promissory note for the balance, which note is payable January 1st, 1915, three months after next meeting of the Assembly.
  • Sixth. Government agrees to urge with Assembly cancellation of these notes, reducing total tax to $125 United States gold.
  • Seventh. Those who have lost cédulas may prove residence and acquire new ones for $3 United States gold, upon proof in the proper manner.
  • Eighth. Certain aged and infirm Chinese may remain unmolested.

These concessions confirming verbal promises, result of long negotiations, received with satisfaction by all. Registration has commenced although under protest. Chinese shops opened and business normal.

Please forward for the information of Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Wicker.