Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The American Republics, Volume IV

363/5–3154: Telegram

The Ambassador in Panama (Chapin) to the Department of State

secret
priority

Panama City, May 31, 1954—1 p.m.

324. The substance Department circular telegrams 442¹ and 443² communicated this morning to President Remon and Foreign Minister Guizado.

President appeared impressed with gravity situation and listened attentively, interrupting now and then to ask clarification of points. He appeared concerned over exact interpretation clause within parentheses of point two recommendation and inquired whether US alone would undertake concrete action regarding detention and inspection of ships and other means of transport. When I stated my understanding this clause was intended for general action by all American states he offered no comment.

Remon stated Panamanian position on Communist penetration amply set forth in his several statements and that Panama recognized seriousness of threat and prepared in principle support US in any measures to prevent spread Communism this hemisphere and to preserve peace and security therein and particularly in any measures deemed necessary for the defense of the canal.

As respects the specific proposal of the US outlined to him today, he could say that in principle Panama was in favor of hemisphere side consultative meeting, but that he would prefer to study four points of proposed resolution before giving definite answer as to Panama’s views.

Remon stated, however, that while he did not specifically object Montevideo as site proposed meeting, it was his personal feeling that some place nearer to focus of infection might be more effective. He based this observation on belief that Uruguayan and other governments well to the south could not feel as directly menaced by or concerned with situation in Guatemala and would not have picture as clearly in mind as if their representatives were meeting somewhere closer to Guatemala. Guizado suggested Miami might be more convenient spot, but it was clear to me that although unspoken thought of Panama as site was in forefront their minds. President also seemed somewhat mystified that meeting would not take place until early July. Guizado remarked at this point that there might be difficulties in getting some of South American countries in line.

President stated he hoped to be able to give me definite answer by tomorrow when he was going out of town for his birthday.

In response to my inquiry re present state of previous discussions re meeting of CA Presidents based on Figueres’ proposal, Remon stated he had agreed to send a special personal representative, possibly his brother, to meet with Figueres for a discussion of matters of general interest, and specifically to find out what Figueres had in mind. He added Figueres has stated his problem with Nicaragua would in any case not be a subject of discussion.

Remon did not know whether Salvadoran or other Presidents had been invited to do likewise.

Chapin

1. In circular telegram 442, dated May 29, 1954, the Department suggested holding a consultative meeting in Montevideo under Article 6 of the Rio Treaty of 1947 to consider the recent Communist penetration in Guatemala. The telegram outlined the major points which should be included in a resolution and the leading arguments which should be made to induce Latin American governments to support it. (363/5–2954) For text, see p. 1149.
2. Department circular telegram 443, dated May 29, 1954, provided in some detail the reasons why the Department regarded the recent shipment of arms from the Soviet bloc to Guatemala as a threat to Central America (414.608/5–2954).