817.74/110: Telegram

The Minister in Panama ( South ) to the Secretary of State

[Extract—Paraphrase]

7. Your no. 2 of January 11. It is my opinion that there is no immediate danger that Panama will rescind decree. Cabinet has discussed matter, probably as a precedent to forwarding instructions to Legation of Panama. Subject was not taken up at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting. …

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Reliably informed that Panama ordered two receiving sets. It intends to place one of them in Presidential palace. Naval commandant whom I consulted is of the opinion that inasmuch as the control of all matters involving wireless telegraphy in Panama is vested in the United States we ought to enter a protest against said installation unless Panama first seeks and obtains our permission. There is no objection to granting permission subject of course to the usual conditions. Panama has not requested permission. It has ordered apparatus and seemingly does not intend to take matter up with American officials. …

South