File No. 718.1915/237.
Some weeks ago Panama reestablished its Legation in Costa Rica, which had
been abandoned several years ago, and appointed Señor Santiago de la
Guardia as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the
Republic. The new Minister is an able man; has affiliations in Costa
Rica; in fact, I understand that some years since, when he lived there,
he occupied high official positions, including that of a cabinet
portfolio at one time. He has been a leader in law and politics in
Panama since the establishment of the Republic, having at one time been
Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Señor de la Guardia is and has been
affiliated with the Conservative party in Panama and an opponent of the
present administration.
The Panaman Foreign Office admit that his appointment was for the purpose
of attempting to further a compromise settlement with Costa Rica
following the rendition of the award of Chief Justice White.
[Inclosure 1.]
Minister Price to
the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
No. 184.]
American Legation,
Panama,
May 31, 1915.
Excellency: I have the honor to inform
your excellency that I am in receipt of a communication from the
Secretary of State of the United States of America, in which I am
informed that both Panama and Costa Rica have presented to the
Department of State their views in regard to the award made by Chief
Justice White of the United States Supreme Court, fixing the
boundary line between Panama and Costa Rica.
After examination of the papers the Department of State is convinced
that no exception can be taken to the procedure followed, or to the
findings of the Arbitrator, and that, therefore, there should be
prompt and complete acquiescence in the award made.
The Department calls attention to the fact that this is an old
dispute and is impelled to believe that the value of the territory
involved is insignificant compared with the annoyance and
ill-feeling that it has aroused. It is, of course, taken for granted
that no action of either interested party with reference to said
award could be of a character which either of them would be willing
to have susceptible of the construction of casting discredit upon
the Arbitrator, who is the presiding officer of the highest court in
our land. Neither could my Government view with indifference, I am
instructed to say, the baneful influence which a rejection of this
award by either party would have upon arbitration as a means of
adjusting disputes between nations. And, owing to the intimate
relationship existing between the United States and Panama, it would
be a matter of deep regret if Panama should take any steps which
would indicate a lack of respect either for the principle of
arbitration or for the high tribunal to which this dispute was
submitted.
[Page 1150]
If any hardship is caused by the award, my Government will be pleased
to use its good offices to bring the parties together upon some plan
which will afford an adequate remedy; but this cannot be taken up,
of course, until after Panama indicates a willingness to accept the
award.
In the fixing of boundaries it sometimes happens that citizens of one
country find their possessions included within the boundary of
another country, and it is possible that the boundary line as now
drawn may leave Panamans in Costa Rica, and Costa Ricans in Panama.
In such case it might be possible to effect an agreement by which
Costa Rica would purchase at its market value the real estate of any
such Panaman who does not desire to become a citizen of Costa Rica;
and, in like manner, Panama might agree to purchase at its market
value all real estate of any Costa Rican who does not desire to
become a citizen of Panama.
This, however, is only made as a suggestion, to indicate my
Government’s desire to go as far as it can in aiding the two
countries to reach a final and satisfactory settlement of all
differences connected with the boundary dispute.
In presenting the foregoing views of the United States of America to
the Foreign Office of the Republic of Panama, over which your
excellency so worthily presides, I am instructed to express
assurances of the good will of my Government and, also, of its
earnest desire to be helpful in every legitimate way to all of its
neighbors.
I avail [etc.]
