132. Memorandum for the Files, by William B. Sowash of the Office of Middle American Affairs1

SUBJECT

  • Panama’s Rejection of United States Request for Radar Stations2

In three separate conversations over the weekend Ambassador Vallarino was informed by Mr. Holland and Mr. Sowash of this Government’s reaction of shock and disappointment to the action of the Panamanian Government last week in rejecting the request of the United States for radar stations in Panama under Article II of the 1936 Treaty. He was informed that this Government could not accept the validity of the arguments advanced by the Panamanian Government in rejecting our request and that the position of this Government remains as stated in the original request. The Ambassador was further informed that the Executive Branch of this Government has worked very hard to achieve the submission of the legislation implementing the 1955 Agreements in time for action by the Congress at this session and that, while we will continue to do what we can to obtain favorable action on this legislation, Panama’s rejection of our request for radar sites has very effectively sabotaged all hope of obtaining the passage of this legislation, since no member of Congress would approve it in the face of Panama’s open flouting of its treaty obligations. It was added that an announcement regarding the radar stations is being planned and that Panama’s failure to cooperate was certain to become public knowledge. The Ambassador stated that he recognized the importance of the situation and would communicate with his Government regarding it.

On Monday, May 21, at the request of Mr. Holland, Mr. Neal asked Assistant Secretary Hill to inform the Congressional committees with jurisdiction over the implementing legislation of the situation with respect to the radar stations.

The line taken with Panama with respect to this matter, as above stated, was cleared with the Secretary by Mr. Holland.

WBS
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.1913/5–2256. Confidential.
  2. On May 16, Foreign Minister Boyd delivered an aide-mémoire to Ambassador Harrington which rejected the U.S. request for radar sites in Panama. The aide-mémoire was transmitted in despatch 401 from Panama City, May 22. (Ibid.) On May 18, Harrington telephoned Sowash to inform him of this development. He stated that he, the Governor, and General Harrington were deeply disturbed and believed that the United States should “throw the book at them.” (Memorandum from Sowash to Holland, May 18; Ibid., 611.1913/5–1856)