Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume XXIX, Panama

121. Letter From President Carter to General Torrijos¹

Washington, November 28, 1977

Dear General Torrijos:

You will recall that when you visited Washington on October 14, you and I agreed on a Statement of Understanding which was made public at the White House in Washington on October 14.² A copy is enclosed.³

I wish to confirm that the United States Government considers the Statement of Understanding to be the authoritative interpretation of the relevant provisions of the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal, signed on September 7, 1977.

I would be grateful if you would confirm that the Government of Panama likewise considers the Statement of Understanding to be the authoritative interpretation of the relevant provisions of the Neutrality Treaty.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Carter

1. Source: Carter Library, White House Central Files, Subject File, FO 3–1, Panama Canal, 1. No classification marking.
2. See Document 113.
3. Attached but not printed. See footnote 8, Document 106.