Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-09-04
SURPRISED At QUESTION
Remarks in English Press Are Con-
sidered Uncalled For.
GOVERNMENT ACTED OPENLY
Fact Pointed Out That President
Taft Asked Congress to Make
Provision for Protection.

Omcials both Of the State Department
and Of the army expressed surprise yes
terday that any question should be raised
az this time as to the right of the
United States to erect fortificaions along
the Panama canal. They regard the un-
favorable comment on Col. Roosevelt S
remarks In the English press about the
necessity. for fortifying the canal as
a lack Of appreciation both of the ac-
ton OF the American government and of
the attitude OF the British foreign office
itself.
BY implication. IL is held by American
offcials. the American and British agree
ment OF 1901. known as the Hay-Paunce-
fote treaty. gave the United States the
right to fortify the canal
The implication Is drawn from several
clauses. II is pointed out This treaty
set forth that the United States adopted
as the basis OF the naturalization OF the
canal the rules governing the Suez canal,
with certain notifications. In contrast
with the Suez rules. the Panama canal
rules. II Is contended, contain no specific
authorization for an enemy of the United
states to use the canal to the detriment
OF the latter's interests. 1t is therefore
claimed by the United States that her
guarantee to neutralize the canal only
refers to belligerents, not enemies of the
United States.
FortiAcation Not Forbidden.
Furthermore. 1t is added, no express
provision was incorporated in the rules
forbidding the United States to fortify
the canal. as was done with Turkey in
the case OF the Suez canal. These omis-
sions are regarded as particularly sig
nificant because Of the fact that Lord
Pauncefote. who drew the treaty Of 1901
with Secretary Of State Hay, was one OF
the negotiators Of the treaty that pro-
vided for the Suez rules
In this connection the view Of the Brit
ish. government was expressed. il Is
thought by the State Department. in a
memorandum by Lord Lansdowne. Au-
gust 81, 1901. communicated to Secretary
Hay through Lord Pauncefote.
II understand that by the omission OF
I'll. references TO the matter Of defense"
said he, tho United States government
measures to protect the canal. at any
rate when the United States may be at
war. from destruction or damage at the
hands Of an enemy or enemies - I
8epcies may arise when. not only from q
national point OF view, but on behalf of
the commercial interests OF the whole
world. IL might be Of supreme importance
10 tne limited StdteB Indt tncy snDulu DC
free to adopt measures for the defense
OF the canal at q moment when they
were themselves engaged in hostilities."
Has Acted Openly.
The American government has been
acting openly on the theory that IL had
the right to fortify the canal. IL is
claimed here. Both President Roosevelt
and President Taft asked Congress to
make appropriations for the fortifica-
tion Of the canal, the latter presenting
the question of the lawmaking body
in a special message. AS early as 1907
the so-called Taft board. appointed by
Secretary Of War Taft, recommended
the erection of forts along the canal.
At present a joint board OF army and
navy officers is preparing plans for
forts. BY specific provision of the Hay
Bunau-variIla treaty with Panama. in
1904. the right OF the United States TO
fortify the canal was recognized No
protest was entered by Great Britain 20
that treaty when IL was proclaimed, nor
since. il is said by responsible govern
ment ofncials.