Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1919, Volume II

819.00/707

The Secretary of State to the Secretary of War (Baker)

Washington, August 28, 1918.

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I am in receipt of a despatch dated July 15, 1918, from the American Legation at Panama City, in which the Legation suggests the advisability of preparing for introduction in the National Assembly of Panama at its session beginning in September, drafts of bills providing for the following objects: (1) The appointment of an American Police Commissioner who shall have full power to control, instruct, and guard the police force of the Republic and (2), The appointment of an American Fiscal Agent who shall have control and charge of the National Treasury.¹

If you approve these suggestions, I beg to request you to be so good as to instruct Judge Frank Feuille,² who is familiar with the laws of Panama, and has ready access to them, to prepare drafts of the legislation suggested, and to submit the drafts to your Department and this Department for their consideration.

I have [etc.]

For the Secretary of State:

Alvey A. Adee

Second Assistant Secretary of State

1. In the despatch, which is not printed, the Minister added: “These two radical reforms, I understand, have long been desired by the Department of State.”
2. Special attorney for the Panama Canal.