File No. 319.1123L25/42
Minister Price to the
Secretary of State
No. 922
American Legation,
Panama,
May 6, 1916.
Sir: Referring to my despatch No. 907 of April
24 last, relating to the investigation of the Colon riot of April 2,
1915, I have the honor to enclose a copy of another note to the Panaman
Foreign Office. I delivered same personally on yesterday and attempted
again to impress upon Secretary Lefevre the importance of his
authorities complying more energetically and earnestly with the
expectations of our Government herein.
I have [etc.]
[Inclosure]
Minister Price to
the Minister for Foreign Affairs
F. O. No. 301
American Legation,
Panama,
May 5, 1916.
Excellency: Referring to the investigation
of the Colon riot of April 2nd, 1915, and to the fact that
notwithstanding more than a year had elapsed before American soldier
witnesses were given an opportunity by your excellency’s authorities
in charge of said investigation to examine and identify generally
Panaman policemen, who may have been involved to a guilty extent in
said riot, I have the honor to inform your excellency that the
military authorities of the Canal Zone have advised me that certain
identifications have been made and it seems at the least that most
helpful evidence has been produced in the aid of a thorough
investigation and placing of guilt by your excellency’s
authorities.
With the sole responsibility upon Panama for the earnest conduct of
investigation and prosecution herein and the jurisdiction thereof
being necessarily within the Republic of Panama and in view of the
large interest of my Government in this affair, it would be
appreciated if your excellency would be good enough to let us know
what further steps, if any, have been or are contemplated being
taken by authorities of your excellency’s Government since the
testimony recently given by our soldier witnesses; when a report
upon said investigation may be expected from Governor J. M.
Fernandez, having same in charge; to what Judge his report thereof
will be transmitted and whether it may be agreeable to let us have a
copy of same at the time of its being rendered. Brigadier General C.
R. Edwards, Military Commander of the Canal Zone, has particularly
requested the favor of having a copy of this report as soon as it
may be made out.
I avail myself [etc.]
[Not signed.]
