819.74/106: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Panama (South)
2. The Department is in receipt of a note from the Panaman Minister here with reference to the decree of 1914 giving the control over wireless to the United States. The Minister proposes that the decree be annulled because war emergency no longer exists and because development of wireless communication renders a revision of the decree necessary.
With reference to the Department’s attitude in this matter consult files covering the negotiations for the years 1910 to 1914, and especially Department’s telegrams dated April 29, 4 p.m., 191450 and August 25, 3 p.m., 1914,51 and Legation’s despatch No. 265 dated September 2, 1914.52
We are replying that this decree confirmed to the United States the permanent and absolute control of wireless in Panama accorded by the Treaty of 1903 and that this Government cannot give its consent to the annulment of the agreement which was reached in 1914. However, we are offering to discuss possible measures to adjust the regulations laid down by this Government so as to take cognizance of recent developments in methods of wireless communication.
[Page 701]Please ascertain whether Panama contemplates any immediate abrogation of the decree of 1914. If you think there is danger of such a step you may make an immediate and emphatic protest. Inform Department by cable regarding any developments.