The primary source below is a memo from State Department representative Sandy Pringle to ambassador Ward. In this memo, Pringle discusses certain gripes that Panama officials have with the United States and the decisions they are making. They detail issues and “violations” of the 1903 treaty. The first bullet point is that Panama never thought they were giving up permanent sovereignty and that the United States had forced their way into the country. There are other issues listed regarding what the U.S. is doing inside the canal zone in regard to military bases and the “School of the Americas”. Pringle is trying to warn the U.S. government about this sentiment from Panama and that there are issues looming between the countries. The purpose is to update officials on what is going on so that they can work to fixing relations between the countries.
This relates to the project because it illustrates another example of the Panamanian Government’s feelings towards the United States. Over the last few decades, there have been more and more issues arising as Panama realizes how they are not benefiting from the 1903 contract anymore. They want full control of the canal and want the United States out of Panama. This is why they are showing displeasure in the binding treaty and are putting pressure on the United States. The U.S. understands these concerns, (as seen in this primary source) but do not want to concede something as powerful as the Canal, especially in an era of high Soviet influence in South America. This source acts as another illustration of sputtering relations between Panama and the United States.
Primary Source:
Full Document:
Sandy Pringle, “Alleged US violations of 1903 treaty“, Archives.gov (1972)
