819.6156 T 61/1: Telegram
The Minister in Panama (South) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:20 p.m.]
16. My despatch 1301 of January 25. Article 12 of the contract with the United Fruit Company now pending before the Assembly would authorize the Company to establish such radio, telegraph and telephone stations as it may consider indispensable for the service of its plantations at Tonosí. [Paraphrase.] This appears to be a direct violation of the existing arrangement between the United States and Panama regarding wireless control. It is my belief that a protest should be lodged with the Panaman Government to prevent the establishment of a dangerous precedent even if the Department after being properly consulted should be disposed to permit the Fruit Company to erect a wireless on its new plantations. Immediate instructions requested. [End paraphrase.]