Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, American Republics: Central and South America, Volume VII

172. Memorandum From the Acting Secretary of State to the President¹

Washington, July 29, 1957.

SUBJECT

• Treaty Legislation—Panama

The three pieces of treaty legislation introduced by the Administration to implement certain provisions of the 1955 Treaty with Panama are not moving through the Congress as they should. There is even evidence that Congress might adjourn before enacting this legislation. The Senate and House committees considering the legislation appear apathetic and somewhat indifferent to its passage.

High officials of the Panamanian Government are seriously concerned that the legislation will not be enacted this session and are unable to understand the reason for Congress’ attitude in not fulfilling United States treaty commitments to Panama. This is especially true in view of your statement to President Arias regarding the sanctity of treaties.²

The United States is morally committed to enacting the legislation necessary to implement the Treaty. Failure of enactment of this treaty legislation this session will seriously impair our relations with Panama as such failure is bound to be construed as evidence of our bad faith and lack of concern for Panamanian interests.

I recommend that you request the support of key Congressmen to ensure enactment of this legislation during this session of the Congress.

There is attached a report containing pertinent comments and information regarding this legislation.

Christian A. Herter

[Enclosure]

TREATY LEGISLATION—PANAMA

The three pieces of pending legislation are as follows: S. 1850 and H.R. 6708 (uniform wage scale bills) are presently in the Senate and House Post Office and Civil Service Committees. Hearings have been completed by the Senate Committee. The House Committee has not completed its hearings. S. 1730 and H.R. 6709 (land transfer bills) are on the calendars of the Senate and House. House Document 198 includes the request for appropriation of $1 million for initial engineering studies and plans for construction of a bridge at Balboa. The Document is before the House Appropriations Committee.

President de la Guardia has indicated he will soon summon our Ambassador to Panama to the Presidential Palace to discuss the matter. It is known that he intends to refer to a conversation between the President and President Arias, then President of Panama, regarding United States–Panama relations, made in President de la Guardia’s presence during the President’s visit to Panama in July 1956.

While attending the Conference of Presidents of the American Republics in Panama in July 1956, the President signed into law the enabling legislation which authorized construction of a bridge at Balboa. At that time the President emphasized his personal interest in that project which created much favorable comment from the Panamanian Government and people.

Officers of State, Army, the Panama Canal Company and the Canal Zone Government have expended considerable effort in explaining the importance of this legislation, as it concerns United States relations with Panama, to members of the Congress and urging its enactment.

Positive action must be taken by the Administration with the Congress before its adjournment to ensure enactment of the three pieces of treaty legislation.

1. Source: Eisenhower Library, Herter Papers, Chronological File. Drafted by Price on July 25. Rubottom forwarded this memorandum to Herter on July 25 under cover of a note which explained the background of the Panama Canal Treaty enabling legislation and urged the Acting Secretary to approve the memorandum to the President. Herter approved it without change. (Department of State, ARA Files: Lot 60 D 667, Panama 1957—Implementation of Treaty)
2. See Document 139.