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

PM–6. Telegram from the Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Panama¹

Washington, August 19, 1958, 8:14 p.m.

87. Verbatim Text.

Deliver soonest following telegraphic message from the President to President de la Guardia.

“August 19, 1958. I thank your Excellency for the kind message forwarded to me by the Department of State after its delivery to Governor Herter by Ambassador Arias on August 5, 1958.

I assure you that my Government appreciates your comments on the implementation of the recently signed Act concerning employment and wage practices in the Canal Zone, and they will be kept in mind while preparing the regulations under which the Act will operate. It is the intention of my Government that the interpretation and application of the Act will be one more step by which we strengthen the ties of friendship which already unite our countries. Dwight D. Eisenhower”

No public release this message planed here. In view Department’s decision not to release text de la Guardia message delivered Department August 5 believe decision should be left to GOP whether release this message. If GOP decides release, please advise 2 hours in advance release time.²

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 711.11-EI/8–1958. Official Use Only; Priority.
2. In telegram 144 from Panama City, August 21, Amb. Harrington informed the Department of State that President de la Guardia was pleased to receive President Eisenhower’s message and planned to release all but the first paragraph of it to the press on August 22. (711.11-EI/8–2158)