819.415C/77: Telegram
The Minister in Panama (South) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 25, 1926—10 p.m.]
51. Department’s June 24, 2 p.m. Resolution referred to reads as follows:
“Whereas the nations of the New World are united by eternal bonds of democracy and by the same conception of justice and liberty; and,
Whereas the logic of the principles which they have maintained and still maintain and of the interests which affect them, should determine a close unity in action to better insure the greatest efficiency of the former and the free development of the latter;
Be it resolved: To recommend to the nations of the New World that they adopt as their policy in their international relations, the principle that every act carried out against one of them, violating the universally recognized precepts of international law, shall constitute an offense for all and, therefore, provoke among them a uniform and common reaction.”
The proponents of the measure stated in debate that the “common reaction” referred to would be confined to moral sympathy and expressions in the press until such time as the American nations were ready to make treaties providing for more active mutual assistance. The motion was introduced and passed at a single session. The American delegation of course refrained from voting; but as the motion was passed by acclamation, without opposition, the impression was perhaps created that the action was unanimous. As there was no opportunity to obtain the Department’s instructions, [Page 259] and as the expression of what was admittedly merely partially wish [sic] did not appear sufficiently important to justify telegraphing, the matter was reported only by mail. In view of passage yesterday of resolution advocating Pan American League of Nations, however, the delegation considered it advisable to state clearly its position with regard to this and other resolutions of a political character. This morning therefore I read and had placed in the record the following statement:
As the Government of the United States had understood that the Bolívar Centenary Congress would be a gathering exclusively of a ceremonial and commemorative nature, it had not expected that the Congress would seek to adopt conclusions or make recommendations of a political character. The delegates of the United States have therefore no instructions which would authorize them to vote on such conclusions or recommendations. Without implying, therefore, any expression one way or the other, either of their own views or of the views of their; Government, the delegation has refrained from discussing or [voting] upon some of the resolutions which have been before the Congress. In view of the importance of these resolutions, however, the delegates of the United States will take pleasure in reporting them to their Government for its information.
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