Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XXII, Panama, 1973–1976

85. Letter From Secretary of State Kissinger to Senator John L. McClellan¹

Washington, June 26, 1975.

Dear Mr. Chairman:

As you know the House of Representatives on Thursday, June 26, passed an amendment to the State, Justice and Commerce Appropriations Bill which would have the effect of terminating the negotiations with the Government of Panama regarding a Canal treaty from proceeding.² I believe that this was a most unfortunate action and in itself may stimulate a reaction in Panama and throughout the Western Hemisphere detrimental to the interest of the United States.

The action by the House is disturbing because it brings into question the commitment the United States made in 1964 to enter into good faith negotiations with the Government of Panama on the Canal. Also it interposes by questionable Constitutional means a blocking action by the House of Representatives which would have the effect of preventing the Senate of the United States from exercising its advice and consent once a treaty was submitted.

I appeal to you and to the members of your Committee to take the necessary action to reverse this unwise initiative by the House of Representatives. I am appealing in like manner to the Speaker of the House, the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate, and the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Sincerely,

Henry A. Kissinger³

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Ambassador Bunker’s Correspondence, Lot 78D300, Congress Snyder Byrd Amendment. No classification marking. Drafted by Pezzullo and Richardson. McClellan was Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
2. The amendment to H.R. 8121 was introduced by Representative Gene Snyder (R-Kentucky), but was not included in the final version of the appropriations bill. A similar amendment was proposed in the Senate by Senator Harry Byrd (Ind.-Virginia).
3. Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.