611.1913/11–1754: Telegram
The Chargé in Panama (Memminger) to the Department of State
priority
188. Guizado told me today in “strictest confidence” that both he and President Remon are entirely satisfied with new drafts of Article XII brought back by Doctor Arias. He added that on his return here Ambassador Chapin would have redrafts of paragraphs 1 of memo of understandings and Article X of treaty and that if these proved as satisfactory as anticipated he believed treaty could be signed next week.
While in optimistic mood Guizado admitted considerable irritation over apparent US intent to bar proposed Canal Zone road to Panamanian commercial traffic. He said he understood our desire to construct and preserve “strategic highway” but felt strongly there should be no pronounced discrimination against Panamanian trucks. He concluded he would offer no objection if “all commercial vehicles” were barred from highway.
I sought to convince Guizado re reasonableness of our views and believe he will go along regardless of what changes have been effected in now disliked article.1
- On Dec. 17, 1954, President Remón accepted in his country’s behalf the modified texts of the treaty and the accompanying memorandum of understanding, which incorporated several changes in wording subsequently approved by the Department of State (telegram 228 from Panama City, dated Dec. 17, 1954, 611.1913/12–1754). Both the treaty and memorandum were formally signed on Jan. 25, 1955.↩