File No. 819.55/59.
The Secretary of State to Minister Price.
Washington, February 1, 1915.
We learn from Chinese Minister here that there is imminent danger of a bill now before the Panama Legislature becoming a law which requires Chinese residents leaving the country with the intention of returning to pay a tax of one thousand dollars in gold and to land only at the port of Panama. It was amended at its first reading so that Chinese shall not be permitted to move to other cities and again amended at its second reading so that Chinese leaving the country shall not be permitted to return at all. Please use your good offices to secure as favorable terms as possible.