DECLARACION CONJUNTA De conformidad con las amistosas declaraciones de los Presidentes de los Estados Unidos de América y de la República de Panamá del 21 y 24 de marzo de 1964, respectivamente, adjuntas a la presente, que coinciden en un sincero deseo de resolver favorablemente todas las diferencias de los dos países; Reunidos bajo la Presidencia del señor Presidente del Consejo y luego de reconocer la valiosa cooperación prestada por la Organización de los Estados Americanos a través de la Comisión Interamericana de Paz y de la Delegación de la Comisión General del Organo de Consulta, los Representantes de ambos gobiernos han acordado: 1. Restablecer relaciones diplomáticas. 2. Designar sin demora Embajadores Especiales con poderes suficientes para procurar la pronta eliminación de las causas de conflicto entre los dos países, sin limitaciones ni precondiciones de ninguna clase. 3. En consecuencia, los Embajadores designados iniciarán de inmediato los procedimientos necesarios con el objeto de llegar a un convenio justo y equitativo que estaría sujeto a los procedimientos constitucionales de cada país. Washington, D. C... 3 de abril de 1964 The Chairman of the General Committee of the Council of the Organization of American States acting provisionally as Organ of Consultation records that the parties agree that both texts are equally authentic and that the words "agreement" in the English version and "convenio" in the Spanish version cover all possible forms of international engagements. Washington, D. C. April 3, 1964 APPENDIX 1 TEXT OF STATEMENT MADE BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE The present inability to resolve our differences with Panama is a source of deep regret. Our two countries are not linked by only a single agreement or a single interest. We are bound together in an Inter-American System whose objective is, in the words of the Charter, "through mutual understanding and respect for the sovereignty of each, to provide for the betterment of all." Under the many treaties and declarations which form the fabric of that system, we have long been allies in the struggle to strengthen democracy and enhance the welfare of our people. Our history is witness to this essential unity of interest and belief. Panama has unhesitatingly come to our side, twice in this century, when we were threatened by aggression. On December 7, 1941 Panama declared war on our attackers even before our own Congress had time to act. Since that war, Panama has wholeheartedly joined with us, and our sister republics, in shaping the agreements and goals of this continent. We have also had a special relationship with Panama, for they have shared with us the benefits, the burden and trust of maintaining the Panama Canal as a lifeline of defense and a keystone of hemispheric prosperity. All free nations are grateful for the effort they have given to that task. As circumstances change, as history shapes new attitudes and expectations, we have reviewed periodically this special relationship. We are well aware that the claims of the Government of Panama, and of the majority of the Panamanian people, do not spring from malice or hatred of Ameri ca. They are based on a deeply felt sense of the honest and fair needs of Panama. It is, therefore, our obligation as allies and partners to review these claims and to meet them, when meeting them is both just and possible. We are ready to do this. We are prepared to review every issue which now divides us, and every problem which the Panamanian Government wishes to raise. We are prepared to do this at any time and at any place. As soon as he is invited by the Government of Panama, our Ambassador will be on his way. We shall also designate a special representative. He will arrive with full authority to discuss every difficulty. He will be charged with the responsibility of seeking a solution which recognizes the fair claims of Panama and protects the interest of all the American nations in the Canal. We cannot determine, even before our meetings, what form that solution might best take. But his instructions will not prohibit any solution which is fair, and subject to the appropriate constitutional processes of both our governments. - I hope that on this basis we can begin to resolve our problems and move ahead to confront the real enemies of this hemisphere the enemies of hunger and ignorance, disease and injustice. I know President Chiari shares this hope. For, despite today's disagreements, the common values and interests which unite us are far stronger and more enduring than the differences which now divide us. STATEMENT, MADE ON MARCH 24, 1964, BY PRESIDENT I consider the statements made by President Johnson very interesting. In many aspects, his view on the relations between Panama and the United States are constructive. The two countries are very closely linked by their common interest in the interoceanic passage. During the two great World Wars, Panama and the United States joined efforts, and, in proportion to their respective capabilities, contributed to the victory of the cause of democracy as a system of government. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the two nations have had serious difficulties because of contractual clauses that have been in existence since 1903 that are prejudicial to the dignity of Panama. Therein lies the cause of the serious conflicts that at the present time keep us apart. If the Canal requires sincere friendly relations between Panamanian and United States nationals, if it implies rights and duties for the two nations, I do not understand why the necessity of going to the bottom of the question in order to eradicate the causes of conflict, without preconditions or limitations, is eluded, both governments being moved by the desire to solve once and for all the differences and the problems that affect the friendly and sincere relations that should and must prevail between the two peoples, precisely because of the exist ence of the Canal, which is an undertaking with which both countries are linked. In his statement, President Johnson accurately recognizes that there is no malice or hatred in Panama's claims, because they are just and sincere. From the text of his statements, it may be inferred that his aim is that relations be reestablished and that special representatives be appointed to solve these matters. If this is to lead to a just and equitable agreement, I am willing to act in this sense. I therefore reiterate my support of the formula announced by the OAS. We would thus arrive at a clear solution, to a precise definition of the obligations and rights of the two nations, in order thereby to resolve all their problems and differences, which would bring us a climate of sincere and close friendly relations that is indispensable to the continental security and the stability of the democratic system. Pending an agreement between the two countries and the observance of the appropriate constitutional procedures, it is obvious that each one will comply with its duties and obligations, in order that the operations of the interoceanic passage may not be disturbed. April-June 1964* Document III-63 "We Will Now Immediately Renew Relations [With Panama], Appoint Special Ambassadors, and Begin a Process Which Aims at a Final Resolution of Our Difficulties": STATEMENT MADE BY THE PRESIDENT (JOHNSON) FOLLOWING A MEETING OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL, APRIL 3, 1964 ** TO Your Excellencies, Members of the Congress: Today's agreement is both a beginning and a renewal. It provides that we will reestablish diplomatic relations; we will immediately appoint special ambassadors with sufficient powers to seek the prompt elimination of the causes of conflict between the two countries without limitations or preconditions of any kind. I have already talked to the distinguished President of Panama and informed him that the United States has selected the former distinguished Secretary of the Treasury, a great law professor, Mr. Robert B. Anderson, to be our Ambassador to carry on these discussions. We will also send the regular Ambassador to Panama's name to the Senate as soon as we have received approval from the Panamanian Government."1 We are thus embarking upon the solution of our problems without preconditions or limitations of any kind, believing that a lasting agreement depends upon the utmost freedom and the utmost flexibility of approach. We will now immediately renew relations, appoint special ambassadors, and begin a process which aims at a final resolution of our difficulties. Arrival at this agreement in the presence of understandable but intense emotions and convictions is a tribute to our essential unity of interest. We share much history. We share a commitment to the liberty that we have achieved in the past and to the progress that we intend for the future. We can now proceed not only to solve today's difficulties but toward the increased welfare of all the people of the Americas under the Alliance for Progress. So, gentlemen, let us approach our search for a solution with the openness and the generosity of those who seek only the strengthening of friendship. Let us meet as sovereign nations, as allies, and as equal partners in the inter-American system. Panama can be confident, as we are confident, that we each desire an agreement which protects the interests and recognizes the needs of both our nations. I would also like on this occasion to especially and particularly thank the OAS for its very important role. This is further proof of the unmatched effectiveness of the inter-American system. For decades American Foreign Policy. Current Documents, 1964, pp. 366–370. Department of State Bulletin, Apr. 27, 1964, pp. 655–656. Supra. "The Senate on Apr. 7 confirmed the nomination of Jack Hood Vaughn to be Ambassador to Panama. disputes between the American nations have been settled at the conference table. This achievement in this hemisphere offers a hopeful model for all those who pursue peace in every continent. This is truly a great day for America, for Panama, for all the people of the Western Hemisphere, and for all freedom-loving people every where. We welcome you to the White House. We thank you for having come. We greet especially the ambassadors who are here and the members of the National Security Council, who only a few moments ago approved this agreement. Thank you very much. Document III-64 "The United States and the Government of Colombia Have Already Reached an Agreement To Conduct Studies Relative to a Survey for a Sea-Level Canal": STATEMENT READ BY THE PRESIDENT (JOHNSON) AT A NEWS CONFERENCE, APRIL 16, 1964 72 Document III-65 Report on Three New Developments With Respect to United States-Panamanian Relations: STATEMENT READ BY THE PRESIDENT (JOHNSON) ATA NEWS CONFERENCE, MAY 6, 1964 73 Let me... report three new developments with respect to our relations with Panama. First, Special Ambassador Anderson came to see me this morning." He has returned from a very fruitful visit to Panama, during which he met in a very cordial atmosphere with President Chiari, Special Ambassador Illueca, and with other Panamanian officials, for the purpose of having a preliminary exchange of views on U.S.-l'anamanian problems. I met with the Special Ambassadors today, both from Panama and the United States, and I expressed to both of them my sincere hope for a mutually satisfactory outcome of their talks, in view of the impor tance to both countries, in view of the importance to the hemisphere, in view of the importance to the free world. Second, I have received a report on the work of the special U.S. economic team to Panama, which I mentioned about 2 weeks ago." The team went to Panama on April 27, and held a number of conversations with Panamanian economic officials and private sector representatives. The talks were most fruitful and constructive, and helped to lay the foundation for more detailed discussions later in the spring regarding U.S. cooperation in Panama's effort to improve its economy under the Alliance for Progress. Third, in an effort to further improve the formulation and execution of U.S. policy towards Panama, I have directed our Ambassador in Panama to chair a committee which includes the Governor of the Panama Canal Zone and the Commander in Chief U.S. Southern Command. This committee will meet regularly to discuss all aspects of U.S.-Panamanian relations and make proposals regarding them. "Post, doc. III-76. Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Lyndon B. Johnson, 1963-64, vol. I, pp. 617-618. "See ante, doc. III-63. Cabled classified report. [Footnote in source text.] April-June 1964* Document III-63 "We Will Now Immediately Renew Relations [With Panama], Appoint Special Ambassadors, and Begin a Process Which Aims at a Final Resolution of Our Difficulties”: STATEMENT MADE BY THE PRESIDENT (JOHNSON) FOLLOWING A MEETING OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL, APRIL 3, 1964 " Your Excellencies, Members of the Congress: Today's agreement" is both a beginning and a renewal. It provides that we will reestablish diplomatic relations; we will immediately appoint special ambassadors with sufficient powers to seek the prompt elimination of the causes of conflict between the two countries without limitations or preconditions of any kind. I have already talked to the distinguished President of Panama and informed him that the United States has selected the former distinguished Secretary of the Treasury, a great law professor, Mr. Robert B. Anderson, to be our Ambassador to carry on these discussions. We will also send the regular Ambassador to Panama's name to the Senate as soon as we have received approval from the Panamanian Government." We are thus embarking upon the solution of our problems without preconditions or limitations of any kind, believing that a lasting agreement depends upon the utmost freedom and the utmost flexibility of approach. We will now immediately renew relations, appoint special ambassadors, and begin a process which aims at a final resolution of our difficulties. Arrival at this agreement in the presence of understandable but intense emotions and convictions is a tribute to our essential unity of interest. We share much history. We share a commitment to the liberty that we have achieved in the past and to the progress that we intend for the future. We can now proceed not only to solve today's difficulties but toward the increased welfare of all the people of the Americas under the Alliance for Progress. So, gentlemen, let us approach our search for a solution with the openness and the generosity of those who seek only the strengthening of friendship. Let us meet as sovereign nations, as allies, and as equal partners in the inter-American system. Panama can be confident, as we are confident, that we each desire an agreement which protects the interests and recognizes the needs of both our nations. I would also like on this occasion to especially and particularly thank the OAS for its very important role. This is further proof of the unmatched effectiveness of the inter-American system. For decades TO American Foreign Policy. Current Documents, 1964, pp. 366–370. Department of State Bulletin, Apr. 27, 1964, pp. 655–656 Supra. The Senate on Apr. 7 confirmed the nomination of Jack Hood Vaughn to be Ambassador to Panama. |