611.193/7–3054
Memorandum of Conversation, by Ambassador John J. Muccio of the United States Negotiating Team
Subject:
- Panaman–US Discussions: Treatment of labor in Canal Zone
- Participants: Secretary of Defense Wilson
- Under Secretary of the Army Slezak
- Assistant Secretary of Defense (Manpower) Dr. Hannah
- Assistant Secretary of the Army Roderick
- Vice Admiral Davis
- Mr. Wheeless, Office of Assistant Secy Defense (Manpower)
- Mr. Henry F. Holland
- Mr. John J. Muccio
The problem of treatment of the non-Americans employed by the US Armed Forces on the Isthmus of Panama was reviewed in detail during the luncheon session. At the conclusion, Secretary Wilson instructed Assistant Secretary of the Army Roderick with the assistance of Mr. Wheeless to work out an employment policy for the Armed Forces on the Canal Zone parallel to that being evolved by the Panama Canal Company–Canal Zone Government. This involves a single wage scale and no discrimination on the basis of citizenship, race, or color.
During the course of the discussions, Secretary Wilson pointed out that he wanted no dragging of feet but that the Armed Forces should proceed right away and complete reclassification of positions, etc., by January 1, 1956.
Mr. Roderick and Mr. Wheeless will work up a position paper which Mr. Holland will use as a basis for presenting this to the Panamanian Delegation.