File No. 819.1052/52.
Minister Price to
the Secretary of State.
No. 647.]
American Legation,
Panama,
October 16, 1915.
Sir: Relating to the matter of the
carrying of concealed deadly weapons in Panama, adverted to in
another despatch of this date, I have the honor to enclose copies of
letters passing between Brigadier General C. R. Edwards, military
commander of the Canal Zone, and Señor Julio Arjona Q., the Mayor of
Panama, regarding regulations with reference to this matter.
I have [etc.]
[Inclosure 1.]
The Mayor of Panama
to General Edwards.
City of Panama,
September 4,
1915.
My dear friend: In accordance with a
memorandum that was put into my hands by my friend Capt.
Coleman, who had been talking to Señor Estripeaut, Chief of
Police, I now, as before, reiterate to you and your agent. I
have newly given orders for the terminating of carrying arms by
people visiting Cocoa Grove. The licenses that have been given
by the Alcalde to carry weapons such as revolvers, have been
given in favor of owners of establishments who are of high
standing in the cited district.
He has also given permission to some politicians, such as Dr.
Mendoza, Dr. Filos, Dr. Agustin Argote, Mr. Turner, and to some
other persons in exceptional cases, and moreover some of these
parties are in the service of the Government. I wish to call
your attention to the fact that I am an impartial Mayor. Some
people, in all parts of the world, carry arms with malicious
intent. Never have I given nor never will I give permission to
carry arms of any description, since I am of the opinion that
these elements are a menace to society. To carry razors, knives
or daggers is not a practice in this District, nor have I given
permission during my administration for the carrying of such
weapons.
Your letter to me to establish greater vigilance in this respect,
and which has been said before, the Chief of Police has offered
to redouble the vigilance to help me remedy these points.
With relation to the stationing of the military police in the
district of Cocoa Grove, the suffering humanity will continue
unless a better assignment of the patrols can be made, which I
cited to Captain Coleman yesterday, and if we can agree upon a
place to lodge the patrols, to be paid for by the Panaman
Government, the patrols will be more efficient in the district
of Cocoa Grove, and more in harmony with the police of Santa
Ana, established for service in the same district. The desired
results will be obtained which we all wish, and which will
prevent disturbances that might bring lamentable
consequences.
[Page 1231]
God grant, dear General, that these things will contribute to a
better understanding between the authorities of the United
States, the Canal Zone and the Panamans, which has always been
my earnest desire in the execution of my office as Mayor of the
District of Panama.
I reiterate [etc.]
[Inclosure 2—Translation.]
The Mayor of Panama
to the Chief of Police.
Panama,
September 4,
1915.
Greetings: Reiterating my previous
statements relative to the registration and confiscation of
arms, without any consideration of class, of the inhabitants of
Cocoa Grove, I add that the same applies to the police not in
uniform, and to ail others in the said district not in the
service. You know that the Mayor has given certain individuals,
owners of highly respectable establishments, permission to carry
revolvers in order to protect their places from scandal. The
same has been granted to some few responsible persons, such as
politicians, not a menace to society. The Alcalde has never
given permission to carry revolvers to persons who are known bad
characters nor has permission ever been granted to carry razors,
daggers or knives; this appears on the books of the
township.
You will take the necessary action through your agents to
confiscate the above-mentioned arms in order to prevent scandal
and lamentable consequences. I trust in the zeal and fidelity
with which you have always distinguished yourself in the
exercise of your delicate duties.
With my expression of very deep appreciation,
I am [etc.]
[Inclosure 3.]
General Edwards to the Mayor of
Panama.
Headquarters United States
Troops,
Panama Canal Zone,
Ancon, C. Z.,
September 10,
1915.
My dear Alcalde: I received with
pleasure your communication of the 4th instant. I have always
been of the opinion that the carrying of concealed weapons is a
detriment to the peace of society. Exceptions should rarely be
made. I am glad to find that our views coincide.
With my sincere good wishes and trusting peaceable conditions may
continue to prevail,
I am [etc.]
