711F.1914/10–1246: Telegram

The Ambassador in Panama (Hines) to the Secretary of State

confidential

656. Deptel No. 530, October 10, 7 p.m.; Embtel 640, October 11, 1 p.m.31 At noon today I presented to the Foreign Minister the note for purpose of completing record on defense sites issue. In presenting the note I indicated to the Foreign Minister that it was the desire of the Dept to complete the record and with no idea of controversy relative to the interpretation. I also stressed our desire to promptly and in a friendly and cooperative manner proceed immediately with the Panamanian Govt in drafting new defense sites agreement. The Foreign Minister accepted the note in a cordial manner and reiterated again that the only problem the Panamanian Govt had was one with the people in making clear that we were not forcibly holding defense sites, but he indicated fullest desire on the part of Panama to work out satisfactory solution.

Hines
  1. Latter not printed.