711F.1914/12–1747: Telegram
The Chargé in Panama (Hall) to the Secretary of State
743. Embtel 738 December 16.73 Estimated 10,000 women and children gathered in front of Assembly after march from De Lesseps Park last night in demonstration against agreement. All speeches were anti-American and probably made considerable impression on Assembly whose president replied weakly. Further demonstration was made in front of President’s palace, all without violence since police were kept out of sight.
Minister of Education74 unable to bring about end of students’ and professors’ strike presented resignation which was not accepted by Jimenez.
Air of pessimism regarding ratification prevails. Of many leaders interviewed in past 3 days only Florencio, Arosemena and Villarango still hopeful.
All of Panama is off limits to our troops, since further demonstrations are expected and agitators might provoke incident with US in order to embarrass government.
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