Word: panama
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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Only the advocates of relinquishing U.S. ownership and operation of the canal to Panama were heard last week. The committee will turn to opponents this week as the hearings continue. At stake are two treaties: one would give the canal to Panama by the end of the century; the other would enable the U.S. to guarantee the canal's neutrality-keeping it open to all the world's shipping-even after the year 2000. Both agreements require approval by the Senate...
...Secretary Harold Brown, made a strong case that continued U.S. use of the canal, and American defense of it, would be much better ensured if the treaties are accepted than if they are rejected. Contended General George Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs: "United States military interests in the Panama Canal are in its use, not its ownership. Our capability to defend the Panama Canal will be enhanced through cooperation with the government of Panama...
Asked by Senators whether they had been under pressure from the Administration to support the treaties, General Brown pointed out that he had been working personally for such agreements with Panama for four years-well before Jimmy Carter became President...
What matters, said Brown, is that the movement of ships be guaranteed. "Efficient operation of the canal in years ahead is more important than nostalgia for a simpler past." Moreover, defense is far more likely in "a cooperative effort with a friendly Panama" than if the treaties were rejected and U.S. forces became "a garrison amid hostile surroundings...
...Linowitz, one of the two U.S. negotiators, observed that Panama is holding a national plebiscite on the agreement Oct. 23; its advocates there doubtless are making the most favorable interpretation possible of the documents to help get them approved. But in practical terms, he told the Senators, differing interpretations cannot block U.S. efforts to protect the canal. Said he: "We are under no obligation to consult with or seek approval from any other nation or international body before acting to maintain the neutrality of the canal." More loftily, Secretary of State Cyrus Vance argued that the treaties should be approved...