711F.1914/12–1347: Telegram
The Ambassador in Panama (Hines) to the Secretary of State
730. Yesterday afternoon in defiance Mayor’s refusal to permit demonstration against agreement, at time National Assembly convened, students clashed with police. Tear gas and even side arms had to be used by latter to defend themselves from infuriated students [Page 944] who threw rocks, used clubs, etc. One student critically shot and a dozen others hurt while 17 policemen were reportedly hospitalized. A number of demonstrators arrested.
National Police Chief72 has issued statement complimenting police on restraint in face extreme provocation, pointing [out] that more police than students were hurt and blaming trouble on Moscow paid agitators behind demonstration. He named Deputy Josca Brouwer (Socialist), his alternate Gilberto Bazan Villalaz and Communist Celso Selano, Secretary General of Partido del Pueblo, as having actively participated and directed students’ attack tactics.
- José Remón.↩