363/6–754: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Panama 1
priority
263. Department awaiting Panama’s definitive reply (urtel 331)2 re acceptability text proposed resolution Depcirtel 459 as revised in accordance [Page 1447] Depcirtel 482.3 FYI to date eleven Latin American Governments have made specific commitments. End FYI. Tactfully determine whether or not Panama approves draft resolution. Department confident Remon Government’s firm anti-Communist stand will be reflected in its effective cooperation in present problem of Guatemalan Communism, which is the most clear-cut and challenging manifestation of Soviet intervention in the Western Hemisphere to date.
However, Panama’s delay may be due to (1) its interest in linking cooperation with U.S. on this problem with favorable outcome Panama’s claims in present negotiations with U.S.; or (2) possible Panamanian fear proposed resolution may work to detriment of Panama registered shipping. You may in your discretion use following with Foreign Minister and President if either of foregoing factors are in Panamanian minds:
(1) Way will be cleared for more intensified efforts to solve Inter-American economic problems once critical immediate political problem of Communist penetration in Guatemala is settled. Substantial progress on Panamanian negotiations has been made, but presentation of any concessions re Canal Zone for Congressional approval would be unthinkable to this Department if Panama withholds vote against Communism in Guatemala. (2) U.S. Government already conferring with 13 European maritime states over effective measures to prevent further arms shipments to Guatemala; and all have received our request sympathetically, some have proposed voluntary action of their own, and none considered proposal as discriminatory against their shipping. You may also state four Central American Governments (El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica) have accepted text resolution.4
- Drafted by William G. Bowdler of the Office of Regional American Affairs, Mr. Jamison, and Mr. Leddy, and approved by Assistant Secretary Holland.↩
- Telegram 331 from Panama City, dated June 7, 1954, stated that Foreign Minister Guizado was unable to give a definite reply as to the acceptability of the resolution text transmitted in Department circular telegram 459, dated June 5, 1954. It noted that Guizado’s own reaction was that the wording was “rather strong” and that the text was tantamount to a declaration of war since it imposed a blockade. (363/6–754) For text of circular telegram 459, see p. 1157.↩
- Department circular telegram 482 contained certain changes in the original text resulting from a State Department conference with representatives from nine Latin American states (363/6–1354).↩
- The Embassy reported back in telegram 354, dated June 16, 1954, that the Panamanian Government had accepted in principle the text of the proposed resolution (363/6–1654).↩