711.1928/290

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

No. 478

Sir: Referring to my despatch No. 476 of November 3, 1934, in which I made protest against certain remarks made by a municipal official at Colon, I have the honor to enclose herewith copy of the reply from the Foreign Office, the same being note D. D. No. 1865 of November 6, 1934, which, although it side-steps the issue and fails to take unto itself the responsibility for the actions of a municipal officer, nevertheless does disclaim liability or sanction on behalf of the Government for such statements.

Respectfully yours,

Antonio C. Gonzalez
[Page 640]
[Enclosure—Translation]

The Panamanian Minister for Foreign Affairs (Arosemena) to the American Minister (Gonzalez)

D. D. No. 1865

Mr. Minister: I have the honor to refer to Your Excellency’s kind communication of the 3rd of the present month, No. 276, and to inform you that the Panamanian Government does not share the ideas which Your Excellency states were expressed by Señor Luis Sayavedra, Municipal Auditor of Colón, in his speech in Colon on November 2nd, since, as Your Excellency knows, it has the very highest opinion of the Government of the United States of America so worthily represented here by Your Excellency.

Therefore, the Government of Panama does not or could not assume any responsibility on account of the expressions attributed to Mr. Sayavedra, and I beg Your Excellency to accept this sincere declaration as testimony of the high opinion which it has of Your Excellency’s Government, which has given so many proofs of inspiring your acts with the spirit of the highest understanding and of good neighborliness.

Please accept [etc.]

J. D. Arosemena