File No. 15778/30.
Minister Squiers to the Secretary of State.
Panama, December 11, 1908.
Mr. Squiers refers to department’s telegram of the 10th and says he has been personally assured by the President of Panama that the police officers who were present or responsible for the treatment of the sailors of the U. S. S. Buffalo on the evening of September 28 will be immediately arrested, brought to trial, and adequately punished if found guilty. Says the President further assures him that he will do everything in the power of the Government to prevent recurrence of such incidents, but that he declines to agree in principle to an adequate indemnity payment or to make an appropriate apology until the guilt of the accused persons has been established by trial. Mr. Squiers says that four civilians are now under arrest awaiting trial for the murder of Rand. Adds that none of the fleet ships has as yet arrived.