719.00/3–1152
Memorandum by the Ambassador in Panama (Wiley), Temporarily in Washington, to the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Miller)1
Subject:
- Disorders in Panama
All sources in Panama agree that serious disorders are impending. It is impossible to forecast whether or not these disorders will take on the nature of a “Bogotazo.” However, this possibility is sufficiently real to require a policy decision of considerable magnitude.
In 1936, the United States relinquished its right of intervention in Panama. Nevertheless, serious disorders in the Republic could easily lead to a request for intervention on the part of the President of the Republic, and there is nothing in international law or treaty commitments to prevent the United States from intervening if invited should it so desire.
However, for the purpose of the present memorandum it may be assumed that the United States would categorically refuse directly to intervene politically in the affairs of the Republic. This memorandum, therefore, has to do with other types of intervention which might have effects equivalent to political intervention.
For example, armed forces of the United States might enter the Republic to evacuate American citizens. This could have the effect of a military demonstration. Also, if fired upon, shots might be returned. Moreover, the President of Panama might request aid to save life and property. The Fire Department of the Zone might enter the Republic and the situation could then require protection for it from the armed forces in the Zone.
In other words, the Embassy might be called upon by the armed forces to acquiesce in an operation to save life and property in cases such as, for example, fire and mob violence threatening the National City Bank. Does the Embassy say “hands off”? If so, this should be on the authority of clear-cut instructions from the Department.
I am, of course, delighted to follow any course the Department may lay down. However, events in Panama could take unexpected turns, [Page 1399] and it is hoped that the Department can give the Embassy instructions that would cover any eventuality.
It may be added that the principle of strict non-intervention is already to some extent abandoned if the evacuation plan foresees the entry of armed forces into the Republic in order to bring Americans to safety.
- Ambassador Wiley was in Washington for consultation from Feb. 13 to Mar. 12, 1952, mainly to discuss the issue of Communism in Panama (Mann–Woodward files, lot 57 D 598, “Panama 1952–1954”).↩