32. Editorial Note

Secretary of State Henry Kissinger traveled to Panama City on February 7, 1974. At 12:40 p.m., he, Ambassador Bunker, Senator Gale McGee (D-Wyoming), Congressman Dante Fascell (D-Florida), Congressman Robert L. Leggett (D-California), Congressman Edwin Forsythe (R-New Jersey), Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs Jack B. Kubisch, and Deputy U.S. Negotiator S. Morey Bell met with General Omar Torrijos, Panamanian Foreign Minister Juan Antonio Tack, Panamanian President Demetrio “Jimmy” Basilio Lakas, and Panamanian Vice President Arturo Sucre at the Presidential Palace in Panama City. Kissinger observed that Bunker was “one of his best diplomats,” who had “become somewhat of a specialist on waterways.” Torrijos stated that the United States and Panama had important differences regarding the Panama Canal but “these were on the way to solution.” Kissinger then emphasized “the importance that the United States attached to friendship with Panama and to the treaty negotiations.” The two then discussed Latin American politics and exchanged pleasantries. The meeting ended at 1:50 p.m. and the American party departed for the Panamanian Legislative Palace for the signing of the Declaration of Principles. (Telegram 837 from Panama City, February 8; National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 791, Country Files, Latin America, Panama, Vol. 3, January 1972–August 1974)

Upon the signing of the Declaration of Principles, the two governments released a brief joint statement, which included the eight princi[Page 89]ples. The joint statement was transmitted to all American Republic diplomatic posts in telegram 27142, February 11. (National Archives, RG 84, American Embassy, Panama, Panama Canal Treaty Negotiation Files, Lot 81F1, Box 124, Secretary Kissinger’s Visit) Telegram 807 from Panama City, February 8, provided as summary of Kissinger’s visit and reported that Tack gave a “brief statement concerning the background and significance of the visit and occasion.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number])

For the texts of Kissinger’s address in Panama City and the joint statement, see the Department of State Bulletin, February 25, 1974, pages 181–185. A report distributed by the Central Intelligence Agency on February 9 indicated that both Torrijos and Tack were “favorably impressed” with Kissinger and were “confident that with Dr. Kissinger as Secretary of State, a new canal treaty can be concluded.” (National Archives, RG 84, American Embassy, Panama, Panama Canal Treaty Negotiation Files, Lot 81F1, Box 124, Secretary Kissinger’s Visit)