816.01/12–544: Circular telegram
The Secretary of State to the Diplomatic Representatives in the American Republics
The Panamanian Foreign Minister57 has informed our Embassy in Panama that his Government suggests that any action in respect to recognition of the present Salvadoran régime be postponed by the Governments of the American republics until after the Presidential elections in El Salvador, which are scheduled for the middle of January. In a telegram to the Department58 the Salvadoran Foreign Minister has given assurances that these elections will be held.
Unless you perceive objection, you are requested, (except as noted below) to discuss the Panamanian suggestion with the Foreign Minister and to obtain his views regarding it. For your confidential information, the Panamanian suggestion would appear to be beyond the scope of the consultations envisaged by Resolution 22 of the Committee of Political Defense.
The above is repeated for information only to the Embassies in San Salvador, Tegucigalpa, Managua and Buenos Aires.