711.192/294: Telegram
The Minister in Panama (South) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:30 p.m.]
9. Last night the Assembly unanimously voted to suspend consideration of the treaty until the President should have the opportunity to negotiate for changes which would completely satisfy the national aspirations. In the preamble of the resolution reference was made to the popular opposition to the treaty and to the fact that the Senate of the United States had not yet considered the treaty although it was nearing the end of its present session.
Yesterday the President and Foreign Minister informed me that they expected a further postponement of action by the Assembly. They did not, however, intimate that the Assembly would virtually reject the treaty in its present form. The Assembly’s action, I believe, is chiefly due to the Government’s fear of the political effect of insisting upon ratification at the present time. It is clear that the President has been intimidated by the agitation against the treaty…