The sun., 1908-12-09
SAID VIZ BACKED PANAMA.
COLOMBIA's MINISTER CHARGED
a.. 8. WITH BAD FAITH.

| HEuiFHuOu-luo bcuhto hhb At'
WAsHINoToN. Dec. s.-Correspondenct
between the United States and the Repub-
lie OF Colombia on the subject Of the sep
aration OF Panama from Colombian ter.
ritory. for which Colombia wanted
damages was sent to Congress by the
President to-day. This was agreeable
to resolution of the Senate Of last May
asking for the correspondence II publicity
OF 1t were not incompatible with the pub
! lic service.
! The attention OF the reader Ia claimed
not 30 much by the tale of the bloodless
revolution Of Panama related In the notes
OF the Colombian Minister, in which he
virtually charges the United States with
completely in the establishment Of the
Republic Of Panama after encouraging
its secession from Colombia. as by the
record OF swift confusion which visited
the bold Colombian diplomat and pursued
him.
The correspondence shows Sefor Men
doza as the champion OF his country m
a recital Of her wrongs by the American
Government. Then there is a sudden
break-an exchange Of some short and In
definite kilograms between the American
Minister at Bogota and the State Depart
ment at Warrington which indicate a
better understanding between the two
Governments. Then on the heels Of this
come advices from Bogota saying that
Senior Mendoza would be recalled on the
pretext OF receiving a leave Of absence
and that his successor would be appointed.
On top Of that the very next communica-
ton from Bogota declares that Sehor
Mendoza has been proclaimed a traitor
to his country.
issued by the Ministers OF the Colombian
Government pronounoing Mr.. Mendoza a
traitor and speaking OF plots and treason
and threats of assassination OF President
Reyes of Colombia reached the State
Department.
Diejo Mendoza. Colombian Minister
to the United States. writes to Elihu Root,
Secretary Of State. on October 2l. 1905.
giving history OF great length OF cir
cumstances surrounding the secession of
Panama, of which he asks the United
States to take cognizance and adjust by
diplomatic means. Four Of his succinct
conclusions were these:
A-The well known favorable attit ude
OF the United States toward a Tebellious
uprising In the department OF Panama
was the determining cause of the revolt,
and to this extentit was violation OF the
express stipulations Of the treaty OF is,o.
B-The United States by means Of its
armed forces prevented the Republic OF
Colombia from repressing the aforesaid
rebellion and 80 preserving the integrity
~ har al haip aIa
In violation OF the positive stipulations
OF the treaty.
C-The United States recognized with
undue haste the so-called Republic of Pan
anna to the detriment OF the rights and in
terests Of the Republic of Colombia. and
this recognition annulled the express stipu-
lations OF the treaty Of lsio and dsregarded
the principles established by the law OF
nations.
D-The United States guaranteed TO
maintain by force the separation OF Panama
from the Republic OF Colombia not only
against the explicit stipulstions OF the treaty
Of lsie. but also, and In view of the time
at which this obligation was contracted
In violation OF the duties Of neutrals under
the law OF nations.
Seior Mendoza submits that he does
not hope that the Secretary Of State will
admit the Justice of these reclamations
and asks therefore that they be sub
mitted to arbitration.
In his reply Of February 10, 1905, Elihu
Root, Secretary OF State, makes a cate
goricsl statement in opposition to that
OF the Colombian Minister. While agree
ing with the latter in all his sentiments
with reference TO the principle Of arbtra-
ton. he finds in the note of the Colombian |
Minister no grievances that can be es-
tablished as a basis for arbitration of
Colombian claims. In conclusion Mr..
Root expresses surprise that the Colom-
bian Government could 30 question the
honor and good faith OF the United
States.
Following this Mr.. Mendoza makes a
new presentment. to the extent of
volume almost. in which he introduces
what he regards as new evidence and
the old.
In May. 1905. the governments were
getting closer together on some ground
that seemed practical but not covered
In previous correspondence. Then came
a suggestion from the American Minister
lombia in private conference with him
had made certain proposals. The corre-
spondenoe sent to the Senate does not
disclose what these proposals. We're. as
Ii was stated that they were still matters
OF negotiation. 1t seems they were
faVOTdDlY T6CctNOu III n lhSdSuI Dy DtCT6-
tary Root. as he replied TO the American
Minister that the State Department would
gladly consider negotiations on the gen.
eral lines suggested,
This understanding led to the recall
Of the Colombian Minister at WASH
In gton, as disclosed by dispatches, and
the appointment Of new Minister.
One document has dramatic flavor.
It is letter dated Bogota, August 20, 1905,
and is signed by Sam b. Koppel' and in
forms the Secretary Of State that circulars
are enclosed informing the Governors Of
The DEPARTMENTS abouta resolution passed
by the Council OF Ministers with regard
10 printed letter signed by the Colombian
ex-Minister at Washington. Setor Diejo
Mendoza Perez, published in New York
and bearing date July 2, 1908.
According to this resolution Sehor
Mendoza Perex has been declared a
traitor to his country and he has been
TO appear before the Colombian
the letter said. ,
The Cabinet Ministers of Colombia in /,
circular. a translation Of which was cent !
% the State Department, aleo proclaimed
Sefior Mendoza traitor for having made =,
public the letter referred to. The pro-
says the Ministers have Z
xnowIedge of reasonable designs. and {
hat President Reyes had received re-
oeated warnings that he was to be assas-
,inated.
Al this interesting junoture the cor 4
forwarded to the Senate
l.. l.. |