611.1913/3–1653: Telegram
The Ambassador in Panama (Wiley) to the Department of State
472. At Constituent Convention yesterday establishing national patriotic coalition as party, President Remon stated in speech:
“We are making studies—and since local newspaper which doesn’t seem Panamanian (La Hora) commented we are going ask for Ancon Hill and ‘millions’ I wish now to deny it and tell you we do not want either millions or alms; what we want is justice. We want, gentlemen when discussions start, the youth of Panama to know 1903 treaty signed under very disadvantageous circumstances; that 1903 treaty was signed 15 days after November 3, 1903 treaty was signed by a great traitor alien to our country. And if true that in 1936 treaty in which partial revisions were introduced and in which one must recognize good-will of that great statesman whom we can never sufficiently lament, to whom we Panamanians render respect and admiration, that great man called Franklin Delano Roosevelt, I repeat only partial revisions were introduced in 1936 treaty but clauses of 1903 treaty remained pending, remain still in effect which Panama has duty insisting be revised.
“It is for that reason, in discussions which must be held, Panama will insist always that clauses treaty be complied with; that Republic Panama and US of North America have joint interest in Panama Canal. Panama will also take interest in Panamanians and North Americans receiving like treatment in that Canal Zone and finally dear fellow countrymen, we shall insist all those huge sums which American Government spends on telling countries of Europe and Americas how nice they are be demonstrated with deeds doing justice to Republic Panama. In this I appeal to all Panamanians not only to members of national patriotic coalition who in fact are also in this crusade, I appeal to all Panamanians that when we make our claim we be one single family so that we may be heard and justice done us.”2
- No transmission time was recorded on the source text.↩
- In telegram 473 from Panama City, dated Mar. 16, 1953, the Embassy noted that Remón’s speech was frequently interrupted by applause, and that it would probably “provide considerable ammunition for subversive and anti-American propaganda and agitation” (611.1913/3–1653).↩