819.6156 T 61/13: Telegram
The Minister in Panama (South) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7 p.m.]
78. Legation’s telegrams of February 12, 11 a.m. and February 17, 10 a.m. The Chiriqui Land Company, a subsidiary of the United Fruit Company, has been authorized by a contract with the Government of Panama, approved July 19th, to construct railroads and establish [Page 517] radio, telegraph, and telephone stations in Chiriqui Province. Neither the Governor of the Panama Canal nor I can perceive any objection to the construction of this railway. Nevertheless, it is my opinion that notes similar to the ones presented relative to similar authorizations in the Tonosí Fruit Company contract should be presented. I await instructions. According to local press reports a concession has been awarded to Enoch I. Hooper to construct a bamboo railroad having its terminus on Lake Gatun. The Governor of the Panama Canal is not yet prepared to express an opinion on the Hooper contract.