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Panama Canal Treaty Negotiations: April 18 - May 16, 1976
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Panama Canal Treaty Negotiations: April 18 - May 16, 1976
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The original documents are located in Box 6, folder "Panama Canal Treaty Negotiations:
April 18- May 16, 1976" of the White House Special Files Unit Files at the Gerald R. Ford
Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 6 of the White House Special Files Unit Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
4/19/76
PANAMA CANAL NEGOTIATIONS
ä
In Dallas you said that the United States would never give up its
control of the defense or operation of the Panama Canal. But
Ambassador Bunker has testified that you instructed him to
negotiate giving up both the Canal and the Canal Zone. Can you
explain this contradiction?
A:
Let me explain what the Panama negotiations are all about.
The original Panama Canal Treaty has been revised a number
of times to accommodate to changing conditions. The United States
interest has been, and remains, assuring safe passage of ships
through the Canal. A series of developments, culminating in the
deadly riots of 1964, convinced President Johnson that the present
treaty was no longer adequate to preserve U.S. interests in the
Canal and in Latin America. He undertook negotiations in 1964
and they have been continuing with a few interruptions ever since.
The issue involves not just Panama. All of Latin America
feels strongly on this issue. They consider these negotiations
a test of American willingness to deal with Latin America on a
basis of equality and respect.
Our objectives are clear -- to achieve an agreement in which
our interests in the defense of the Canal and in its operation are
fully safe-guarded but which will avoid a situation in which all
Latin America will be united against us on that narrow issue.
- 2 -
Such a treaty arrangement may not be possible. And we
will defend our interests in the Panama Canal against all of
Latin America if we must. But we owe it to ourselves and to
our relations with our neighbors to the south to try to achieve our
objectives in a cooperative manner. That is my policy and I
intend to stick with it.
The United States will not surrender its interests in the
operation and defense of the Canal. We are instead seeking the
best way to preserve them -- in an atmosphere of partnership
rather than confrontation. Any agreement negotiated will be
submitted to the Congress for its approval and we continue to
consult closely with the Congress as negotiations proceed.
B2
Wednesday,
April
28,
1976
THE
W
NGTON
POST
THE
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
The culotte 2-piece suit for summer,
A Man, a Plan, a Canal, Panama
FORMAL
fresh and polished in polyester/cot-
ton that takes to warm weather. Fash-
SHOP
ion length, full culotte skirt, topped
A Commentary
ess buy out the worthless French
there he presented the doctor with
by a safari style jacket with pleated
claim for a very large amount of
$100,000, supplied by J. P. Morgan; a
back, epaulette trimmed shoulders,
By Nicholas von Hoffman
money. Bunau-Varilla went to see
secret code; a Declaration of
cuffed sleeves, pocketed front and
Americans are taught that their his-
Sen. Mark Hanna, the most powerful
Independence; a draft of the new na-
self-belt. Blue or champagne. Sizes 6-
tory consists of three episodes: 1776,
Republican politician of his age, and
tion's Constitution, and the soon-to-be-
14. By ELLI MODES.
$66
the Civil War and NOW. This allows
abruptly convinced him to favor a
born Republic's flag, thoughtfully de-
men like Gov. Ronald Reagan to rally
Panamanian route. At the same time,
signed and sewn by Madame Bunau-
their countrymen to resist the outra-
Cromwell made a $60,000 contribution
Varilla. Thus equipped the doctor was
geous demands of the Panamanians
to the GOP. Roosevelt decided Pan-
sent back to Panama, where the sec-
who're demanding our canal, the one
ama was a bully route also.
tion hands from the railroad were re-
we bought and paid for fair and
The ducks were in a row. The only
cruited into a revolutionary army.
square. That doesn't even match up
obstacle was the Republic of Colum-
With the arrival of the U.S. cruiser
with how Theodore Roosevelt, the
Nashville in Panamanian waters, the
President who signed the treaty, de-
scribed how the thing went down: "If
Poster
flag of liberty was run up and when
Colombian soldiers arrived in the prov-
I had followed conventional, conserva-
ince to put down the insurrection, the
bia, because, kiddles, in 1903 Panama
tive methods, I should have submitted
railroad refused to transport them.
wasn't an independent nation. It was a
The new Republic was immediately
a dignified state paper to the Con-
province of Colombia. A treaty had to
recognized and its ambassador pleni-
gress and the debate would have been
be drawn up. It gave Colombia $10
potentiary who was, surprise, sur-
going on yet, but I took the canal
million, and the stockholders of the
prise, the enterprising Bunau-Varilla,
zone
had the treaty signed within 10 days.
French company, whoever they were
Before he got around to taking it, in
A particularly nice touch in all of
by this time, $40 million. The treaty
1903, the United States had been dab.
this is article III of the Panamanian
also stipulated that the Colombian
bling in the Isthmus for better than
constitution, which says that the na-
40 years. For one reason or another
government give up all rights to sue
tion's sovereignty is secondary to any
American troops had been landed there
for any portion of the $40 million as
treaty that has or will be signed with
the United States.
in 1856, 1860, 1873 (twice), 1885, and
well as all police powers in the con-
1900. When not landing the Marines
templated canal zone.
As for the money, $40 million was
Americans had built a railroad across
paid to J. P. Morgan, who was to
the Isthmus. By 1903 that railroad was
President Marroquin of Colombia
transfer it to the stockholders in the
didn't dare submit such an unfavora-
represented by William Cromwell of
French company. Their names have
Sullivan & Cromwell, John Foster
ble treaty to his Congress for ratifica-
never been made public. August Bel-
Dulles' law firm.
tion. "If we do not yield (concessions)
mont was suspected as being one of
and the North Americans determine
them. but nothing is known for cer-
While Americans were constructing
to build the canal they will open it
tain because Cromwell refused to di-
the railroad, the French were spend-
without stopping at trifles, and then
vulgé them to a Senate Committee.
ing a titanic sum failing to build the
we will lose more sovereignty than we
What is on the record is that Crom-
canal. The French went bankrupt:
should lose by making the concessions
well got an $800,000 legal fee for his
their company was reorganized under
they seek. History will say of me," he
work, a stupendous sum in terms of
the leadership of a gentleman by the
wrote,
"that
1
ruined
the
1903 dollars.
name of Phillipe Bunau-Varilla. At
Isthmus scandalously injuring the
the same time a mysterious firm
rights of my country." The Colombi-
In 1921 the United States paid Co-
called the Panama Canal Company of
ans rejected the treaty and Roosevelt
lombia a $25-million indemnity, not
America was incorporated in Crom-
reacted by calling them "Dagos," "cat-
out of a sense of guilt, but because
well's law offices for the purpose of
rabbits," "contemptible little crea-
Secretary of the Interior Albert Fall,
taking over the assets of the quasi-de-
tures" and "homocidal corruptionists."
later sent to jail for corruption,
warned that if we didn't, the Colombi-
funct French firm.
But Bunau-Varilla was of a more prac-
ans would sell their oil concession to
save 25% to 70% on
Sometime around 1900 Bunau-Var-
tical turn of mind.
the English. Progress has come to
illa and Cromwell formed an alliance.
From Panama he summoned Dr.
Panama as well. The Panamanians
famous-maker tuxedos
Their purpose was to get the United
Manuel Amador, a physician who
have replaced Madame Bunau-Varil-
States government, which was in-
worked for Cromwell's railroad, to
la's flag with one of their own design.
clined toward a canal through Nicara-
room 1162 of the old Waldorf-Astoria
Ah, the joys of freedom.
and dinner jackets
gua, to change its mind, opt for the
Hotel, sometimes referred to as the
Panamanian Isthmus, and in the proc-
cradle of Panamanian liberty, and
c 1976. The Washington Post/King Features
Take advantage of special savings during
Syndicate. Inc.
our Anniversary Sale. Find our fabulous
collection of formal wear: tuxedos in polyester,
wool and wool-blends, reg. 135.00-165.00,
A
Well, yes, it would have
Mrs. Ford herself will not
will raise money for the
now 99.99; dinner jackets in an assortment
been nice and probably
be present, but has said she
restoration of the garden and
of plaids and tapestries, in polyester and
would have raised more
finds it "a special pleasure
the endowment of the prop-
blends, reg. 90.00-145.00, now 29.99-109.0
money if President Gerald
to have my name listed" as
erty which is owned by the
Formal Shop, Men's Clothing, all stores
Ford could be present at his
Virginia Trust for Historic
Tour
hairman. reflecting her in-
Alexandria house this Satur-
Preservation. When restora-
except the Pentagon.
terest in the restoration of
day splashing about in the
the Lee-Fendall House, which
tion and endowment are
will benefit from this Sat-
completed the house and
1149,
pool. But that is not to be.
Betty Ford, however, is
day's tour sponsored by
garden will be open free to
BEYDA'S
de
honorary chairman of the
Alexandria garden clubs.
the public. Tour tickets Sat-
Suburban Garden and House
Tourists will find tea
urday, for the 21 gardens
Tour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
served in that handsome
and four houses, are $5, and
Saturday, and the Alexan-
10th-century house from 2
may be picked up at the Lee-
Fendall House itself, 429
dria garden and pool of the
o'clock till the 5 p.m. closing.
WODWARD
Ford
North Washington St. in
presidential couple will be
large assortment of Lees
Alexandria.
among the 21 gardens and
lived in the house over sev-
&LOTHROP
PETITES
four houses on the tour.
eral generations. The tour
-Henry Mitchell
The New York Times Magazine
May 16, 1976
STORM
OVER THE CANAL
The military and economic importance
of the Panama Canal may be fading. But it has
become a passionate political issue:
'humiliation' versus 'colonialism.'
THE
PRESIDENT
HAS
STOWN
By Richard Hudson
vised speech-have been keeping what they call
the "Panama Canal giveaway" in front of the public
We paid for the land and furnished the machinery,
as a gadfly to the Ford Administration. And in
paid the workmen and provided the know-how to
the South and Southwest especially they have found
construct the canal. Without us, more than likely
a particularly receptive audience.
there would be no canal or even a Panama. The
In a CBS-TV interview with Walter Cronkite on
only people who would benefit the most if we do
May 1, immediately after Reagan captured all 96
not keep the canal would be the Communists. We
Republican delegates in the Texas primary, John
have already given away too much. What have
Connally credited Reagan's position regarding the
we gained by so doing? Only the contempt of the
canal with being one of the major factors that
receivers.
Perhaps a larger payment than what
helped the Californian defeat Ford. Referring to
we are giving Panama now would be advisable.
"the Panama Canal situation" as a very very emo-
But let us have no tampering with the original
tional issue in his state, the former Texas Governor
treaty.
said: "To us, the Panama Canal is just across the
-A LETTER RECEIVED BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT.
Guif of Mexico. They're our neighbors, so to speak.
Houston is the third-largest port in the United
On Feb. 7, 1974, Secretary of State Henry Kissin-
States and most of our shipping goes through the
ger and the then Panamanian Foreign Minister,
Panama Canal, so there's a real sensitivity to the
Juan Antonio Tack, initialed a public agreement
control of the Panama Canal in Texas."
explicitly stating that a new treaty would be con-
But evidently the canal's vote-getting abilities
cluded that would set a date for the termination
are not confined to Texas. Claiming the canal is
of United States jurisdiction over the Panama Canal
a sovereign United States territory "every bit the
Zone and ultimately the canal itself. Since then,
same as Alaska and all the states carved from
there has been a storm of protest. Whether or not
the Louisiana Purchase," Reagan has worked his
to renegotiate the original 1903 treaty has become
condemnation of the impending new treaty into
something of a hot issue in the Republican Presi-
his standard primary speech, often raising his objec-
dential primary race, and, depending upon who
tions after stating that Ford and Kissinger have al-
eventually become the Presidential candidates, the
lowed the United States to become No. 2 militarily.
Panama Canal may even emerge as the Quemoy-
Reagan's success with the issue brought out both
Matsu of the 70's.
Senator Barry Goldwater and Vice President Nelson
President Ford's former campaign manager, How-
Rockefeller in rebuttal, Goldwater declaring that
ard H. ("Bo") Callaway, once referred to the canal
he thought Reagan would support Ford's position
as our moon shot of the first half of this century.
of renegotiating the canal treaty "if he knew more
To many Americans, especially those over 50, the
about it," and Rockefeller accusing Reagan of being
idea of parting with the Canal Zone seems totally
"totally deceptive in the way he is raising the
unacceptable and touches off a highly emotional
issues,
He says that we had the same sovereign
response. Perhaps Daniel J. Flood, the flamboyant
rights over Panama that we had over Louisiana.
Democratic Congressman from Pennsylvania, comes
That is a factual misrepresentation." But Reagan,
closest to explaining the feelings of those ordinary
whose position of maintaining the status quo in
Americans who have so far been the most vocal
the Canal Zone and keeping the canal a United
on the subject when he says, "Everyone thinks
States operation forever is strongly supported by
Panama, today that takeover would be called a
the Panama Canal is as American as apple pie.
the American Legion, the V.F.W., the D.A.R., the
"covert operation."
This has been ingrained in them, they believe this
John Birch Society, the conservative bloc in Con-
Nonetheless, the result was a treaty whose dura-
all through their lives, and they just don't give
gress and the more than 40,000 Americans living
tion was "in perpetuity" and which allowed the
away something that's as close to them
which
and working in the Canal Zone, is hardly likely to
United States to build the canal in a 10-mile-wide,
they feel is an American thing
The average
stop talking about it, as Goldwater suggested he
51-mile-long zone bisecting Panama. The treaty
American feels this so very deeply that
it's
do, or change his tune.
granted the United States
all
the
rights,
over my dead body, that kind of thing.
This
The argument about the Panama Canal goes back
power and authority within the zone mentioned
is the feeling. You can't reason with it. It's in-
to the 1903 treaty between Panama and the United
which the United States would possess if it
grained and deep, deep dyed in their hearts."
States. A classic story of gunboat diplomacy in
were the sovereign of the territory
to the
Exactly how support of an American-controlled
the high imperial tradition, the way this original
entire exclusion of the exercise by the Republic
canal became inextricably linked with American-
treaty came about was that after Colombia balked
of Panama of any such sovereign rights, power
ism in the American psyche is difficult to pinpoint,
at signing a treaty which would have permitted
or authority."
but conservative politicians like George Wallace
the United States to build the canal through Pana-
The treaty's language stating the United States
and, most noticeably, Ronald Reagan-who, after
ma-then part of Columbia-Panama, with United
had "all the rights" in the Canal Zone it "would
defeating Ford in the North Carolina primary,
States encouragement, revolted and proclaimed its
possess if it were the sovereign" has been the focus
raised the issue of the canal in a nationally tele-
independence; when the Colombians dispatched
of the running debate between those for and those
troops to put down the insurrection, they found
against negotiating a new treaty with Panama.
Richard Hudson, a writer who specializes in
their way blocked by Americans who had positioned
Ellsworth Bunker, who is presently carrying out
international affairs, is the founder of War/Peace
two cruisers on the Caribbean side of the Isthmus.
the Panama Canal negotiations, has stated the Ad-
Report, which he edited for 14 years.
Though Teddy Roosevelt boasted that he "took"
ministration's position on the sovereignty question
18
Te
Treaty
YANKEE
0
Sue Coe
bluntly: "The United States does not own the Pana-
it were sovereign — has no meaning? As you
Moved by Secretary Kissinger from being mildly
ma Canal Zone. Contrary to the belief of many
know, the Panamanians say that they have the
anti- toward being mildly pro-new-treaty, the Penta-
Americans, the United States did not purchase the
sovereignty and we are-.
gon, which usually sees eye-to-eye with Thurmond,
Canal Zone for $10 million in 1903. Rather, the
A: (interrupting): They say they have the sover-
is not joining its traditional allies in Congress on
money we gave Panama then was in return for
eignty? Well, that's untrue.
We own it, title
the Panama Canal issue for two main reasons. The
the rights which Panama granted us by treaty. We
in fee simple. We bought it from the Government.
first, simply put by Lieut, Gen. Welborn Dolvin,
bought Louisiana; we bought Alaska. In Panama,
We bought it from individuals. We paid over $163
who was recalled from retirement last October to
we bought not territory, but rights.
It is clear
million for it, and then in connection with other
serve as liaison between the State Department and
that under law we do not have sovereignty in
expenses on it with regard to security, we've spent
the Pentagon, is this: "When the Commander in
Panama."
between $6 billion and $7 billion on the canal.
Chief says move out, you've got to salute." General
Senator Strom Thurmond, a spokesman for the
It's ours, It belongs to the United States. It can
Dolvin, who spends mornings in the State Depart-
opposition, is equally blunt. With 37 Senate co-
only be disposed of by an Act of Congress that
ment and afternoons at the Pentagon looking out
sponsors, more than the one-third needed to block
is passed by both bodies and signed by the
for U. S. military interests in the ongoing negotia-
a new treaty, the South Carolina Republican has
President.
tions, thinks he was chosen for the job partly be-
submitted a resolution to the Senate Foreign Rela-
Q: You don't attach any significance to the word
cause he is an Army man-the canal is operated
tions Committee "urging retention of undiluted
if in the 1903 treaty, that the United States can
under the aegis of the Secretary of the Army-and
United States sovereignty over the Canal Zone."
act as if it were sovereign
partly because he has never served in the Panama
An interview I had with Senator Thurmond in
A: It's clear we bought and paid for it. I mean,
Canal Zone. "I think they wanted someone who
December went like this:
there's no question about it. I think anybody with
might be part of the solution rather than part of
Q: Do you take the position that the word if in
any experience at all there acknowledges we own
the problem," he said.
the treaty-that the United States can act as if
the canal. We own it in perpetuity.
The second principal reason the Pentagon is will-
The New York Times Magazine/May 16, 1976
19
Advertisement
bservations
TM
Myth of oil power. The American people are being duped - there, we said it,
straight out. Politicians running for office, aware that voters are frustrated and
angry about many things, have discovered in the bigness of business-
especially oil companies-a convenient explanation for all the things wrong with
our country. But think about that "issue." Where's all that power our critics say we
have? It wasn't enough, certainly, to keep Congress from raising industry taxes in
1975 or to keep foreign governments from taking over many of our producing
properties. It hasn't been able to get price controls removed on oil-ours is the
only industry still subject to those "emergency" controls, imposed five long years
ago. Oil's power, frankly, is a myth. But it's no myth that oil companies have
become scapegoats. If we sound angry about it, we are.
Panama Canal: A monument to Yankee ingenuity-but too small for supertankers.
ing to go along with a new treaty is
where, and, in fact, some of them are
that the case claiming the Panama
already being scaled down.
400
Canal is vital to the security of the
The economic value of the canal is
United States no longer stands up
declining as well. Opponents of a new
under scrutiny. The canal is useful but
DOTY
treaty point out that about two out of
it is not vital. Even in peacetime, big
every three ships using the canal are
American aircraft carriers and oil-
HE'S EXPLAINING HOW BREAKING UP THE OIL COMPANIES WOULD WORK
going to or coming from an American
carrying tankers cannot fit through
port. But treaty proponents note that
the canal, and because they have to
in 1972 only 9 percent of total United
surface in transit, nuclear submarines
States imports and exports were trans-
are forced to give away their posi-
ported through the canal and that this
tions. In wartime, the canal could be
Achilles' heel. America's dependence on foreign oil is bad and getting worse,
represented less than 1 percent of the
easily knocked out with anything from
according to a report prepared for the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy by
United States gross national product.
missiles to small bombs planted by
the Congressional Research Service. Says the report: "A careful analysis of
In addition, the flow of traffic,
guerrillas.
current worldwide oil reserves leads to the inevitable conclusion that the U.S. will
formerly about 14,000 to 15,000
The nature of its construction leads
become highly dependent on oil from the Middle East and North Africa during the
transits a year, is expected to
to the waterway's extreme vulnerabil-
decrease to fewer than 13 thousand
coming decade." What to do about it? maximizing coal utilization and
ity. When a ship enters the canal,
this year because of the increasing
nuclear power would significantly reduce dependence on foreign imports of oil by
water flowing by gravity hoists it
use of tankers and cargo vessels too
1985 and beyond," the report states.
through a series of three locks to 85
large for the canal, the reopening of
feet above sea level, the height of the
the Suez Canal and a worldwide ecc-
artificially created Gatun Lake dam in
nomic slump. A study made last year
the middle of the system. If the locks
by the Library of Congress concluded
One we won. We're delighted that Mobil's underwriting of a Bicentennial exhibit
or Gatun Lake were bombed, the
that "while the Panama Canal is in-
of 250 unique American posters prompted Business and Society Review to
water in Gatun Lake would flow into
deed an important facility for world
name us a winner of its 1975 Corporate Social Responsibility Awards. And we'd
the sea. Even if the damage were re-
and U.S. commerce, it is not of over-
like to share these robust, persuasive posters with you. A part of our country's
paired immediately, it might be two
whelming or critical economic impor-
artistic tradition, they shock, entertain, entreat, admonish, invite, and rejoice. The
years before enough rainwater filled
tance."
entire collection, Images of an Era: the American Poster, 1945-75, has been
the lake to make the canal usable
But facts do not always determine
published in a full-color exhibition catalog. It's available for $17.50 in check or
again.
feelings. And for many Americans
money order, made out to "Images of an Era," at the address below.
The canal has a certain military
brought up on Kiplingesque versions
usefulness during peacetime or in
of American history, in the wake of
limited war in that It facilitates ship
the United States failure in Vietnam,
movements between the Atlantic and
the thought of withdrawal from the
"
Pacific, and the zone serves as a loca-
Panama Canal which the United
A quote we like. "Political elections are a good deal like mar-
riages-there's no accounting for anyone's taste." Will Rogers
tion for the Southern Command,
States has held for most of this cen-
which-in addition to its primary mis-
tury in its very own hemisphere-is
sion of defending the canal-oversees
humiliating.
Mobil®
United States military assistance to
Congressman Flood, whose passion
Latin America, engages in disaster re-
for the Panama Canal was nurtured
lief and operates the School of the
in his boyhood when he listened to
Americas, best known for the training
the stories his grandfather, Daniel John
it provides Latin Americans in counter-
McCarthy, the first general counsel of
Observations, Box A, Mobil Oil Corporation, 150 East 42 Street, New York, N. Y. 10017
insurgency warfare. But all these sub-
the United Mine Workers, used to tell
sidiary activities could be based else-
about his close friend Teddy Roosevelt,
01976 Mobil Oil Corporation
Vivitar's amazing
grows intense as he explains
munist Party of Panama really
why the canal is "the jugular
runs the country and, in addi-
built-in flash
vein of hemispheric defense."
tion to demanding the ouster
"You go from Maine to
of leftward-leaning, 47-year-
Puget Sound," he told me,
old Brig. Gen. Omar Torrijos
"and there is no stream of
Herrera, (ironically, a grad-
ends blurry, fuzzy
water anywhere, in the whole
uate of the School of the
perimeter, as important to
Americas), he calls for the
the Western Hemisphere as
reinstatement of former Pres-
the Panama Canal, and
pictures.
ident Arnulfo Arias, now liv-
certainly to the United
ing in Miami.
States
A ubiquitous figure in Pan-
"If and when, God forbid
amanian politics, Arias has
under any circumstances, the
been thrice deposed from the
sovereignty of the United
presidency, the first time be-
States would be surrendered
ing in 1941 when, after a year
in the Panama Canal, some-
in office, he was removed for
body would have to run it.
being "pro-Fascist."
Now Panama certainly can't
Last November, Harman ar-
run it
with the type of
ranged a meeting between
leadership you have in
Arias and Ronald Reagan in
Panama, with Cuba where it
Boca Raton, Fla., and after-
is-you can stand in the
ward a Reagan spokesman re-
plaza in Havana, and if you
ported that the Republican
have a good right arm you can
Presidential aspirant "shared
hit the canal with a bottle of
several common goals" with
Bacardi rum-and you know
the 74-year-old Panamanian
the relationship between
ex-President ousted by Torri-
Cuba and the Soviet. I'll give
jos in a 1968 coup-this time
you one guess who would
only 11 days after his elec-
operate it. Not Panama. It
tion.
wouldn't be Uganda. It'd be
the Soviet."
Actually, the current round
of negotiations dates from be-
Mail addressed to Congress
fore the coup. It stems from
and the Administration tends
a fracas that erupted in Jan-
Taken by Kodak Instamatic*28
to agree with Flood's thesis.
with flipflash. Under $61
uary 1964 when United States
Letters favoring a new treaty
Taken by Vivitar
high school students illegally
Registered Trademark of Eastman Kodak
come mainly from academia,
with built-in flash. Under 600 $47
liberal religious organizations
displayed an American flag
and the foreign-policy com-
at an unapproved location
in the Canal Zone and Pan-
Why are some of your
from one set of tiny batteries
munity. (Recently the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce has
amanian students reacted, a
pictures blurry or fuzzy? Your
for about 10 per flash.
confrontation which left about
joined the pronegotiation
20 Panamanians and four
subjects moved or you moved
Pop a standard, easy load
forces, feeling that a new
Americans dead. The follow-
treaty would enhance the
the camera. Now Vivitar solves
110 film cartridge into your
atmosphere for doing business
ing December, President John-
this problem for you.
Vivitar pocket camera, switch on
both in Panama, an important
son announced that the United
new banking center, and
States would negotiate a new
Vivitar's professional-type,
the built-in flash, push the
throughout Latin America,
treaty recognizing Panama's
built-in flash captures the indoor
where the Panama Canal has
sovereignty over the zone and
button, and you've taken a
become a symbol of Yankee
creating a pattern of equal
picture you want to take in an
sharp, clear picture. Outdoors,
colonialism.) But these letters
partnership between the two
leave the flash "off" and save
are in the minority. The
countries with regard to the
amazing 1/1000 of a second. So
majority of those heard from
canal.
fast it freezes movement and
the batteries.
want the United States to
A decade of ups and downs
Vivitar Point'n Shoot™ pocket
stand firm.
in the negotiations between
you get beautiful, sharp pictures
The amazing thing about
the United States and Pan-
even when your subjects are
cameras with built-in flash make
this majority "Panama Canal
ama followed, until February
lobby" against a new treaty
1974 when the Kissinger-Tack
moving. Built-in flash is 15 times
picture taking easier and more
is that it seems to function
"Eight Principles" were ini-
faster than flipflash, and that's
fun. Prices start at less than $47.
without an office in Washing-
tialed. Supposed to underlie
ton or even one salaried lob-
the new treaty, the "Eight
what makes all the difference.
Vivitar
byist. Among the assortment
Principles" made it clear that
Vivitar's built-in flash saves
of individuals giving their
a firm date will be set for
time to the effort-including
Panama's taking full control,
you money, too. Flipflash and
a veteran diplomat, a retired
but the document does not
Pocket Cameras
flash cubes cost up to 26¢ per
Navy captain and a writer for
set the date or itemize what
the John Birch Society maga-
the relationship between the
picture. Built-in flash gives you
zine-by far the most active
two countries will be in the
150 or more flashes
is Phillip Harman, a 55-year-
meantime.
old Southern California busi-
Both sides expected the new
nessman who single-handedly
treaty to be wrapped up in
turns out a torrent of mail.
a matter of months, but it
Calling himself "the grandson-
soon became apparent that
in-law of the founder of the
Kissinger had miscalculated
Republic of Panama," because
the temper of Congress. By
Vivitar
of his marriage to Graciela
April 1974, Thurmond had
Arango de la Guardia, whose
introduced his sense-of-the-
grandfather, José Augustín
Senate resolution calling for
Arango was a member of the
continued United States sover-
Built-in flash
junta that established the first
eignty over the Canal Zone.
Panamanian Government, Har-
And in the House, Flood and
man asserts that the Com-
his allies asserted that, since
Marketed in the U.S.A. by Ponder & Best, Inc., Santa Monica, CA 90406.
22
For years Glenfiddich
has been a regular
at Joe's bar
Phillip Harmon: The most active of the "Panama Canal lobby."
it would be disposing of Unit-
Apparently the two sides
ed States property, under the
agree that, three years after
Constitution a new canal trea-
approval of the new treaty,
ty would also require House
the Canal Zone will disap-
approval.
pear and Panama will take
The more time that goes by,
over the government of that
the more strain is put on
area, including police, courts,
those living in the Canal Zone
fire protection and postal
and on Panamanian-American
services. The Panama Canal
relations. Not surprisingly,
Company, which now man-
feelings about the canal in
ages the waterway, will be
Panama are even more deeply
replaced by an entity com-
emotional than they are in the
prising representatives of
United States. "It's a symbol of
both countries. And defense
identity more than anything
of the canal will be car-
else," says Ambassador Nico-
ried out jointly.
las Gonzalez-Revilla, Panama's
30-year-old representative in
Among the principal points
Washington. "Panamanians
of disagreement is the dura-
feel that the biggest piece of
tion of the treaty. Panama
wealth in the nation they have
does not want it extended
not been able to use for their
past the end of the century,
own benefit, that they have
(when the treaty expires,
been humiliated by the exces-
Panama assumes control of
sive presence of the United
the canal). The United States
States.
that Panama was
now accepts 25 years, but
not considered a country."
wants defense responsibility
beyond that time. Another
The relationship between
the United States and Pan-
point of disagreement is mili-
tary bases. The United States
ama has always been an un-
wants to keep 14 during the
easy one as far as Panama-
treaty period, while Panama
nians are concerned. Amer-
proposes three. And whereas
icans might understand Pan-
Panama suggests 10 percent of
amanian feelings better if
the present zone for adminis-
they considered that - in
tration and defense of the
proportion to size-it would
canal, the United States asks
be as if a foreign power
for 85 percent. The question
had total authority over
of Panama's income from the
Like Joe, the first Scotch you tried was probably a popular brand of
America's longest river, the
canal is in dispute, as are the
blended Scotch. If your experience was like his, it took you some time to
Mississippi - Missouri system,
in a strip almost 17 miles
rights and privileges of the
cultivate an appreciation for the fine taste of Scotch. And now that you've
wide and 3,710 miles long,
40,000 United States Zonians,
learned to like Scotch, we'd like to introduce you to Glenfiddich-
running from northern Mon-
some of whom are third-gen-
tana to the Mississippi Delta
eration.
robust, fullbodied unblended Scotch which is frequently added to
in Louisiana. "What nation of
many blended Scotch brands to enhance their aroma and flavor. So if
Everyone on both sides is
the world can withstand the
aware that the Panama Canal
you've been drinking a blended Scotch you've probably been enjoying
humiliation of a foreign flag
is caught up willy-nilly in this
some of the flavor of Glenfiddich without realizing it.
piercing its own heart?" Gen-
year's election campaign; that
Now that you're a special Joe, enjoy the taste of unblended Scotch
eral Torrijos asks.
Ford, who when in Congress
all by itself.
Growing impatient with
opposed any lessened Ameri-
U.S. delays, last September
can authority over the canal,
Panama unilaterally released
as President must defend his
Unblended Glenfiddich
a report on the status of the
inherited position; that Rea-
"The uncommon Scotch for the uncommon man."
negotiations, noting the points
gan, whatever becomes of his
of agreement and disagree-
candidacy, has brought the
ment. The United States did
issue to the fore of the
not challenge its accuracy.
American consciousness and
Unblended Single Malt Scotch Whicky, 50 Proof Bottled in Scotland c 1975 William Grant & Som. Inc. New York N.Y. 10020, Importers
24
YANKI GO HOME
Graffito in Panama City.
has forced the Administration
other, bigger, more powerful
to pass the word that no new
country-without recognizing
treaty should be sent to Con-
it as colonialism.
gress this year.
In an extraordinary meeting
General Torrijos says, "We
of the United Nations Security
don't want our most vital
Council that took place in
issue to become a political
Panama City in March 1973,
football in the U.S. election
it became clear that the Unit-
campaign. It's too important
ed States will be isolated on
to us. We are willing to wait,
the Panama Canal issue until
to keep our people calm, pro-
it negotiates a new treaty
viding the U.S. shows good
transferring effective sover-
faith in negotiating efforts."
eignty to Panama. Voting
But, he says, "If there were an
with the majority for a resolu-
uprising [of students], if there
tion to this effect were three
The height of luxury in New York City
were terrorism, I, as com-
good friends of America-
mander of the National Guard,
soars 46 stories over Central Park.
Austria, Australia and France
would have two options: to
-with Britain abstaining.
crush them or lead them. And
The Organization of Ameri-
I can't crush them."
can States backs Panama, and
Prolonged political frustra-
many Latin American leaders
tion aggravated by bad eco-
have indicated that the Pana-
nomic conditions in Panama
ma Canal is now the No. 1
could cause almost any kind
issue in hemispheric affairs. In
ParkJane
of unpleasantness. And in re-
a future full-blown debate in
cent months, there has been
either the United Nations
trouble within Panama from
Security Council or the Gen-
all sides.
eral Assembly the United
Hotel
In September, when Kis-
States could again find itself
singer made a statement in
in a lonely position, looking
Florida that seemed to cast
like a stubborn colonialist.
doubt on the United States
As Ellsworth Bunker sum-
intention to set a firm date
marizes it: "In our negotia-
36 Central Park South, New York, N.Y. 10019
for turning the canal over to
(212) 371-4000
tions we are attempting to lay
Panama, several hundred stu-
the foundations for a new,
dents in Panama City hurled
more modern relationship
rocks at the United States
which will enlist Panamanian
Embassy. In March, in re-
cooperation and better protect
sponse to what they consid-
our interests. Unless we suc-
ered a betrayal of their
ceed, I believe that Panama's
interests by the Administra-
consent to our presence will
tion, 700 employees of the
continue to decline, and at an
Panama Canal Company
ever more rapid rate. Some
closed down the canal for six
form of conflict in Panama
days.
would seem virtually certain."
But beyond the immediate
This assessment seems real-
problems, the Panama Canal
istic. As the months go by,
issue raises questions about
will the Panama Canal issue
the future of American
become "an example for the
foreign policy. Despite Ameri-
world of a small nation and
can sentiment concerning the
a large one working peaceful-
canal, it is virtually impossi-
ly and profitably together," as
ble to look at the current
Bunker puts it, or will the
situation - a 10-mile-wide
deep conflicting emotions of
PANORAMIC VIEWS LAVISH APPOINTMENTS COLOR TELEVISION REFRIGERATORS
swath cut right through a
Americans and Panamanians
INDIVIDUAL
CLIMATE
CONTROLS
DE
LUXE
SERVICE
PARK
ROOM
RESTAURANT
country from coast to coast
lead to further bitterness and
completely controlled by an-
the spilling of blood?
AND BAR THE PARK LANE BALLROOM MOTOR ENTRANCE AND GARAGE
26