File No. 319.112C64/4.
Minister Price to
the Secretary of State.
[Extract.]
No. 444.]
American Legation,
Panama,
March 19, 1915.
Sir: I have the honor to report further
with respect to the outbreak of February 14 in the Cocoa Grove
district that I have received today from Brigadier General C. R.
Edwards, Military Commander of the Canal Zone, two copies of the
evidence procured by the military authorities in their investigation
of the affair and of the reports submitted in connection therewith.
One of the copies is intended for our files and such portions of the
other copy as deemed advisable for transmission to the Panaman
authorities. As reported in my despatch No. 413 of February 19 last,
I took occasion on the morning of this happening to say to Sr.
Lefevre, Secretary for Foreign Affairs that our examinations of
witnesses would be open and that we would welcome thereat a
representative from their Government, and in consideration therefor
I requested that we might be permitted to be represented at their
hearings. A few days since a note was received from Sr. Lefevre,
copy and translation of which are enclosed, asking for a copy of the
sworn statements of the American soldiers present on said occasion.
I have [etc.]
[Page 1191]
[Inclosure 1—Translation.]
The Secretary for Foreign
Affairs to Minister Price.
No. S–5937.]
Department of Foreign Affairs,
Panama,
March 10, 1915.
Mr. Minister: The Fourth Municipal
Judge of the Capital District, who has charge of the
investigation ordered by my Government for the bringing to light
of the lamentable happenings which took place on the night of
February 13 ultimo in the Cocoa Grove district, desires to
obtain copies of the sworn statements rendered by the American
soldiers who were present and who took part in the affray of the
above-mentioned night.
In view of this I shall appreciate it if your excellency will
order that the copies requested be sent to my office, in order
that they may be transmitted to the above-named official.
Anticipating [etc.]
[Inclosure 2.]
Minister Price to the Secretary for
Foreign Affairs.
No. 151.]
American Legation,
Panama,
March 19, 1915.
Excellency: In reply to your
excellency’s note S–5937 of March 10, I have the honor to
transmit the copies requested by your excellency, consisting of
Part 1, evidence of the American patrol of that evening; Part 2,
evidence of soldiers submitted by their commanding officers; and
Parts 3 and 3½, evidence both of soldiers and civilians,
examined by Major H. A. White, Judge Advocate and Acting
Adjutant on the Staff of General C. R. Edwards, who was
designated by the latter as the Inspector to take said
testimony.
It will be duly appreciated if your excellency will be kind
enough to notify this Legation whenever any further evidence may
be taken by the authorities of your excellency’s Government, so
that our representatives may have the opportunity to be present
thereat.
I avail [etc.]
