File No. 819.1052/72
Minister Price to the Secretary of State
Panama, May 13, 1916, 10 p.m.
Panaman Minister for Foreign Affairs has just now notified me that the rifles will be delivered to us requesting me to say to the Department that it is done under protest and because Panama is unable to resist.
Generals Goethals and Edwards and I will arrange details on Monday for taking the rifles during the day.
Department’s May 12 complied with this morning. An answer was promised after luncheon and following a Cabinet meeting. Instead a meeting of Panaman citizens was convoked including leading members of opposition lasting from four until seven thirty. Mild sensation created but no ugly incidents. Opposition favored delivery without protest.