Office of the Historian

PM–59. Telegram from the Ambassador in Panama (Farland) to the Department of State1

Panama City, September 17, 1960, 1 p.m.

156. President informed and note delivered simultaneously Acting Foreign Minister 9:00 EDT. President elect Chiari informed 10:35 EDT and statement issued press 11:00 EDT.2

President De la Guardia expressed great satisfaction U.S. decision, stating his faith in President Eisenhower and in latter’s understanding Panama’s problems had always been basis his firm belief flag issue would be favorably considered and resolved satisfactorily. President added he felt U.S. decision would assist create climate for discussions on subject construction sea-level canal which he foresaw a certainty near future. He expressed some worry over-wording of note on grounds extremist elements might seize upon try make further trouble but did not specify that which created concern. Embassy believes he had reference to statement that decision in nowwise be considered as modifying treaties and agreements in force between U.S. and Panama.

President-elect delighted news and promised with flag issue out of way full cooperation re-establish friendly and cooperative atmosphere for moving ahead together. I took occasion point out primary obstacle to close and fruitful cooperation was communist subversion spearheaded now in Panama by Cubans. President-elect said his government prepared take action but information activities Cubans in Panama lacking [Typeset Page 987] and help from us this regard would be valuable. Initial reaction of diplomatic corp highly favorable.

Discussions with Carter have been cooperative. Flags will be flown on or before September 20. Carter desirous formal but simple flag raising ceremony with President De la Guardia in attendance. Instructions in this regard desired at once.3

  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 719.04/9–1760. Secret; Niact.↩
  2. For the text of the White House press release, see the Department of State Bulletin, October 10, 1960, p. 558.↩
  3. In telegram 142 to Panama City, September 17, the Department of State notified Ambassador Farland that it approved of a formal but simple flag raising ceremony with President de la Guarlia in attendance, provided that Farland and Gov. Carter agreed on the details and plans and provided that United States personnel carried out the flag raising and other physical duties connected with the ceremony. (719.04/9–1760) In telegram 162 from Panama City, September 21, Ambassador Farland reported that the Panamanian and American flags had been raised at 10 a.m. that morning in Shaler Triangle in a simple but appropriate ceremony attended by Panamanian Foreign Minister Moreno and other officials of the Foreign Office, members of the Cabinet, and the Commander of the National Guard. (719.04/9–2160)↩