Editorial Note
During May 9–10 the effort of President Arias to assume complete control of the Government of Panamá collapsed, largely because Police Chief Remón withdrew his support from the President. On several occasions, President Arias or his subordinates attempted to elicit aid from or intervention by the United States, but the Department of State adhered to its policy of noninterference. After a brief gun battle at the Presidential Palace on the afternoon of the 10th, President Arias was taken into custody by the National Police. In the meantime, the National Assembly had impeached the President and installed Alcibiades Arosemena, First Vice President, as his successor. Documents pertaining to these events are in decimal file 719.00.