File No. 819.00/415.
The American Minister to the Secretary of State.
Panama, June 30, 1912—8 a.m.
Department’s telegram June 28, 1 p.m., regarding statements by Minister of Panama. According to the committee’s instructions to supervisors of registration, agreed to by the Government and both parties, all complaints as to registration might be brought before the committee. Several complaints as to registration in Panama and Colon relative to men alleged to be properly from Chorrera, Arraijan, and Chagres were made to the committee, which, hearing both parties, rendered decisions in accordance with the facts before them and the laws and customs of the country
[Page 1154]The committee did not oppose publication of the President’s letter, provided publication was in such form and with such comments as not to distort its proper character. But it did oppose publication for electoral purposes of a huge circular giving in conspicuous type the text of the letter.
President of Panama and Panaman Government have lately shown a strong disposition to restrict powers of supervisors, although previously agreed to by them and both parties and published in a decree, and to obstruct the supervisors in the exercise of these powers considered necessary by the committee to secure fair elections. The committee has been compelled to appeal to the President several times to induce him to execute his agreement, and although he has now again promised to do so, the committee is not yet entirely satisfied of his good faith.