Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Volume V, Microfiche Supplement, American Republics

PM–56. Letter from the Secretary of State to the Secretary of Defense (Gates)¹

Washington, September 14, 1960

Dear Tom:

I think you are aware of recent discussions Wilber Brucker and I have had concerning clarification of the relationship between the Chief of the United States Diplomatic Mission in Panama and the Governor of the Canal Zone in matters affecting the relations between the United States and Panama. On September 12th the President directed Wilber to issue appropriate instructions in this regard.²

At a meeting at the White House on September 1st I mentioned to the President that I wanted, in a similar vein, to discuss with you the relationship of the Chief of the United States Diplomatic Mission in Panama to the Commander-in-Chief of the Caribbean Command (CINCARIB). The President agreed that it would be useful for the two of us to come to an agreement on the matter if possible.

I therefore suggest for your consideration the following draft language which the President, as he did with Wilber and me on the Governor-Ambassador relationship, might send the two of us on the CINCARIB -Ambassador relationship:

“In the exercise of his functions the Commander-in-Chief, Caribbean Command, shall consult with the Chief of the United States Diplomatic Mission in the Republic of Panama on all operations and activities of his headquarters which may have foreign affairs implications affecting relations between the United States and the Republic of Panama, and with respect to such matters shall be guided by the foreign policy considerations set forth by the Chief of the United States Diplomatic Mission in the Republic of Panama. In the event of their failure to agree with respect to any proposed action to which the Chief of the United States Diplomatic Mission in the Republic of Panama shall object for reasons of foreign policy, such action shall be deferred pending a mutual decision thereon by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State.”

If you agree with this draft, I would suggest that we two send a memorandum to the President requesting his approval and suggesting he issue us confirming instructions. If you have difficulty with this, I would be delighted to discuss the matter with you.³

With warmest personal regards,

Most sincerely,

Christian A. Herter

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.19/9–1260. Secret. Drafted by Long.
2. See Document PM–54, footnote 2.
3. According to a memorandum dated December 22, 1960, from Thomas C. Mann, the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs, to Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Merchant, the Department of State was still awaiting a reply to this letter from Secretary of Defense Gates. (ARA/PAN Files, Lot 65 D 176, “Policy—Panama 1960”)