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

PM–58. Telegram from the Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Panama¹

Washington, September 15, 1960, 4:40 p.m.

134. Eyes Only Ambassador. Re Deptel 133.²

“Excellency: I have the honor to refer to the desire heretofore expressed by the Government of the Republic of Panama to have the Panamanian flag flown in the Canal Zone.

I am pleased to state that, after the highest consideration by my Government, I am instructed to inform you that as a further reflection of the genuine friendship existing between our two Governments and peoples, my Government has determined that as a voluntary act on the part of the United States, and in recognition of the titular sovereignty residing in the Republic of Panama with respect to the Canal Zone, the Panamanian flag will hereafter be flown together with the United States flag on a daily basis in the area known as Shaler’s Triangle in the Canal Zone. This determination is in nowise to be considered as modifying in any way the treaties and agreements in force between the United States and Panama.

“Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.”

Excellency: I have the honor to refer to the Panamanian note No. D–1011, of November 25, 1959,³ delivered to me by your predecessor. His Excellency, Ricardo M. Arias, stating it to be the aim of the Government of Panama to have the Panamanian flag raised regularly in the territory of the Canal Zone and also stating the view that Panama, under existing treaties, has “merely accorded” to the Government of the United States “the rights, power, and authority required by the United States for purposes of maintenance, operation, sanitation, and protection of the Canal”.

After careful consideration, I must inform your Excellency that the Government of the United States cannot agree with, and must reject, the position of the Panamanian Government just quoted and contained in the note under reference.

However, I am pleased to state that—as you may be aware—the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Panama has today informed His Excellency, Miguel J. Moreno, Jr., Minister of Foreign Relations of Panama, that as a further reflection of the genuine friendship existing between the Governments and peoples of our two countries, the Government of the United States has determined that as a voluntary act on its part, and in recognition of the titular sovereignty residing in the Republic of Panama with respect to the Canal Zone, the Panamanian flag will hereafter be flown together with the United States flag on a daily basis in the area known as Shaler’s Triangle in the Canal Zone. This determination is in nowise to be considered as modifying in any way the treaties and agreements in force between the United States and the Republic of Panama.⁴

Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.”

“I am happy to announce that President Eisenhower has, as a voluntary and unilateral decision on the part of the Government of the United States, approved the flying of the flag of the Republic of Panama together with the United States flag on a daily basis in Shaler’s Triangle in the Canal Zone. This decision is in reflection of the genuine friendship that exists between our Governments and peoples, and symbolizes the close ties that unite us.”

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 719.04/9–1560. Secret; Niact. Drafted by Long on September 14, approved by Herter, and initialled by Long.
2. See Document PM–57.
3. Not printed; 729.00/11–2559.
4. Commenting on the text of this note in telegram 152 from Panama City on September 16, Ambassador Farland informed the Department of State that Foreign Minister Moreno was in Mexico until September 18 or 19 and recommended that his name be deleted from the note and be replaced with that of Rodrigo Miro, the Acting Foreign Minister. (719.04/9–1660)