16. Letter From Secretary of State Rogers to Panamanian Foreign Minister Tack 1

Dear Mr. Minister:

In replying to your thoughtful letter of May 21, I have wanted to wait until I could advise you of the arrangements I have made with a view to implementing, on the United States’ side, the results of our constructive discussions in Buenos Aires.2

I welcome the renewed commitment of your government to reach agreement on a new treaty that will be just and equitable for both our countries—a treaty that will, in the words of my President, which you have quoted to me, “guarantee the continued effective operation of the Canal while meeting Panama’s legitimate aspirations”. My government is equally committed to the successful conclusion of a negotiation process which is of great importance not only to our two countries but also to the world.

In recognition of that importance, and in furtherance of our discussions in Buenos Aires, I am pleased to inform you that Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker has been selected to head the United States’ negotiating team. I am confident that the Ambassador, a most distinguished American and a gentleman of vast experience, will exert every effort to translate my government’s commitment—as you in your capacity as head of Panama’s negotiating team will strive to translate your government’s commitment—into the conclusion of a new treaty.

The Ambassador’s appointment as an Ambassador-at-Large of the United States was announced in Washington August 2, and his nomination is being forwarded to the Senate for its advice and consent. The Congress will, however, be in adjournment until the first days of September. I would expect that shortly thereafter the approval of the Senate would be completed, so that the Ambassador might then be in a position to commence his discussions with you.3 These discussions, as you and [Page 50] I have agreed, would initiate an examination of the basic principles upon which a new treaty might be based.

I should like to take this opportunity to respond to several points of particular interest that you have raised in your letter to me. First, I think it is clear that, in accordance with the provisions of the Convention of 1903, the territory within which the Canal now functions, while clearly constituting part of the Republic of Panama, is also territory under the jurisdiction of the United States. Second, I wish to assure you that the United States remains prepared, as we have stated in the past, to agree to the abrogation of that Convention and the amendments thereto, and to replace those agreements with an entirely new, and mutually satisfactory, canal treaty.

Third, in your letter to me you suggest eight principles which you regard as constituting a basis for further progress in negotiations toward a new treaty relationship. I have read these principles with great interest and find important elements in them that my government is prepared to accept. It is my hope that your discussions with Ambassador Bunker on these principles will lead to progress toward laying the foundations upon which a new treaty may be based.

With best regards,

Sincerely,

William P. Rogers
  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 33–3 PAN. No classification marking. Drafted by Shlaudeman and Bell. The letter was transmitted in telegram 156307 to Panama City, August 8. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P840114–1802) In telegram 4206 from Panama City, August 8, the Embassy reported that Tack had received the letter. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P840114–1805)
  2. See Document 10.
  3. Bunker was formally appointed Ambassador at Large on September 26 and entered on duty on October 11. S. Morey Bell, Director of the Office of Panamanian Affairs, was designated Deputy U.S. Negotiator.