819.6341P19/38

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Panama ( South )

No. 791

Sir: The Department refers to the Legation’s confidential despatch No. 2066 of June 29[24] last, with reference to the control by the [Page 736] United States of radio communication in Panama, and observes that while raising the new question of a projected radio station on Coiba Island the Panaman Government in its reply to the Legation’s note of June 6 has avoided any reference to the question of making clear to the Panama Corporation, Limited, the general situation with respect to the control of radio stations in the Republic of Panama. The Department also observes that in an informal conversation with the Secretary of Foreign Relations his attention was directed to this omission, and that he replied in substance that as the Panama Corporation, Limited, was charged with a knowledge of the law of Panama, the Panaman Government was not responsible for any ignorance thereof on the part of the Corporation.

It is noted that the Legation proposes to leave the matter on this basis pending receipt of further instructions from the Department. In this connection the Legation also requests instructions as to the advisability of bringing this matter to the attention of the Panama Corporation, Limited, through Dr. Horacio Alfaro, who is the attorney for that company. In the circumstances the Department perceives no necessity for such action, in view of the explicit statement of the Secretary of Foreign Relations that the concession granted to the Panama Corporation, Limited, must necessarily be understood as subject to the provisions of the decree of August 29, 1914.

You will, however, address a note to the Panaman Government referring to the Article concerning radio stations in the concession granted to the Panama Corporation, Limited, and asking that the Legation be given immediate notice in the event that the Panama Corporation, Limited, proposes to take any action under this Article. The Legation is also expected to keep in close touch with any developments that may occur in the region covered by the concession to the Panama Corporation, Limited, and a telegraphic report should be forwarded immediately to the Department in the event that information is obtained indicating that the Panama Corporation, Limited, intends to construct or install radio apparatus in Panama.

With reference to the station which the Panaman Government wishes to erect on the island of Coiba, you should report to the Department any relevant information which may be communicated to you by the American military and naval authorities, and refrain from mentioning the subject to the Panaman Government until you receive further instructions.

I am [etc.]

For the Secretary of State:
Francis White