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

PM–60. Memorandum from the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Mallory) to the Acting Secretary of State¹

Washington, September 23, 1960

SUBJECT

• Ceremony on Occasion of Initial Flying of Panamanian Flag in Canal Zone.

This paper is in response to your oral request of this morning for the background on the decision to hold a ceremony on the occasion of the initial flying of the Panamanian flag in the Canal Zone.

The actual genesis of the concept of a ceremony is not clear but Ambassador Farland reported on September 17 that Governor Carter was desirous of a “formal but simple flag raising ceremony with President de la Guardia in attendance” and he requested instructions in this regard. (Tab A).²

The Department approved such a ceremony subject to agreement between the Governor and the Ambassador on the procedure and that all physical duties involved be carried out by U.S. personnel. (Tab B).³

Ambassador Farland on September 20 recommended that President de la Guardia be invited to raise the Panamanian flag at the ceremony, (Tab C)⁴ but the Department turned down that recommendation on the grounds that (a) it would be a precedent for the possible further exercise of sovereign rights in the Zone by Panama thus prejudicing our treaty position and (b) would expose us to even greater Congressional and public criticism in this country than that to which we have already been subjected. The Department did, however, authorize a ceremony, the extent of which was left to Ambassador Farland’s discretion. (Tab D).⁵

Notwithstanding the genesis of the decision, it appeared that the initial display of the Panamanian flag with ours in the Canal Zone as a symbol of Panama’s titular sovereignty, would require some formal ceremony were it to have the desired impact on Panamanians, for a routine raising without any note being taken of the event, could well be interpreted as an off-hand and rather ungracious performance of an act, which was intended to have emotional impact.

1. Source: Department of State, ARA/PAN Files, Lot 65 D 176, “Relations-Panama July 1960.” Secret. Drafted by Sharp. The source text is an uninitialled carbon copy.
2. Not attached to the source text. The document at Tab A, telegram 156 from Panama City, September 17, is printed as Document PM–59.
3. Not attached to the source text. For a summary of the document at Tab B, telegram 142 to Panama City, September 17, see Document PM–59, footnote 3.
4. Not attached to the source text. The document at Tab C, not printed, was telegram 160 from Panama City, September 20; 719.04/9–2060.
5. Not attached to the source text. The document at Tab D, not printed, was telegram 144 to Panama City, September 20; 719.04/9–2060.