711.1928/436: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Panama (Summerlin)
59. Your 136, October 1, 3 p.m. The last paragraph of Article IV of the proposed general treaty is satisfactory to the Department. Although acceptable to the Commissioners, the Minister for Foreign [Page 904] Affairs has objected on the grounds that “police regulations” might be interpreted to mean that a permit will be required in certain cases. This belief has not been disputed by the Department. The Minister has indicated that he will withdraw his objection to this paragraph as drafted if there is added to it a provision to the effect that the permit will be of a permanent character, to be revoked, of course, in case of non-compliance with the conditions set forth therein. This suggestion for permanent permits seems to offer a possible way of handling this matter but we have frankly stated that we cannot agree to the inclusion of a provision in the treaty that would grant to all deportees a permanent permit since in some few cases these deportees may be persons of a dangerous or degenerate character, et cetera, for whom special arrangements would obviously be required. We have stated our willingness, however, to endeavor to work out an arrangement along the lines suggested through administrative agreement.
Within the broad limits of the Department’s position as set forth above, you may hold the conference. Even within the bounds of our position, no agreements should be tentatively arrived at without consultation with the Department. Please forward by airmail résumé of your discussions.