819.415C/73: Telegram
The Minister in Panama (South) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:30 p.m.]
50. The Bolívar Congress this morning adopted by an overwhelming majority, a resolution recognizing the desirability of an American League of Nations, recommending that a conference be called to draw up a treaty constituting such a league, and charging Panama with the duty of taking preliminary steps toward convening.
[Paraphrase.] Of course the American delegates refrained from voting. I intended to explain the position of the delegation as governed by the Department’s instructions, but later considered that course inadvisable. Last night, in executive committee, all heads of official delegations being present, I made a statement setting forth the position of the delegation in objecting to the submission to the Congress of another resolution of a political character. I learned that my statement had created the impression that our delegation was trying to stifle free discussion at the Congress, so I was reluctant to take any further steps which might strengthen that impression. Sentiment for the resolution was so enthusiastic that anything like opposition from our delegation would have given rise to a most unfavorable impression, and all the more so, because during the debate very friendly statements towards the United States had been expressed by the supporters of the resolution. [End paraphrase.]