711F.1914/183: Telegram
The Ambassador in Panama (Dawson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:10 p.m.]
27. My telegram No. 25 of February 13. In a conversation which I have just had with President Arias he assured me and authorized me to assure the Department that if the Government of the United States informs the Government of Panama that there exists a threat of aggression endangering the security of the Canal in the terms of article X of the treaty and bases thereon its request for the lands needed for the defense of the Canal, the Government of Panama in compliance with article X will make the tracts available immediately for the duration of the emergency. The President said that such a statement on the part of our Government would enable him to place the matter before the Assembly in a manner assuring its approval and that of public opinion.