Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Address of the President to Congress December 5, 1916

File No. 819.77/232

The Secretary of State to the Minister of Panama

No. 79

Department of State,
Washington, May 15, 1916.

Sir: Referring to the Legation’s note No. 235 of February 28, 1916, I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a letter from Judge Frank Feuille, Special Attorney for the Panama Canal, to General George W. Goethals, U. S. A., Governor of the Panama Canal, relative to the legal status of the Panama Railroad Company.⁶ Governor Goethals concurs in the conclusions of Judge Feuille that, in view of the concessions to the Panama Railroad Company and of the provisions of the Treaty of 1903, the claims advanced are without foundation and there is nothing open to arbitration.

The Department is of the opinion that the authorities of the Panama Canal have made a complete and satisfactory statement in answer to the contentions advanced in the note of Minister Morales.

Accept [etc.]

Robert Lansing

6. See inclosure to the letter from the Secretary of War of April 29, 1916, p. 949.