The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-27
OF
 WAR IS SIGNED BY
 PRESIDENT PORRAS
Sweeping Order Issued AboI- iShing Constitutional Provi- sions of Freedom ofPress
 and Censorship Begun

Panama, February 26.-Hostilities between Panama and Costa Rica showed possibilities this afternoon of developing into conflict involving all of Central America and Colombia Leading Colombians residing in Pan- ana have sent a wireless message to Bogota asking the Colombian govern ment to furnish them with arms for the purpose of enlisting against Costa Rica. They also ask the Colombian government what action it is willing to take officially to protect Panama against Costa Rica, which is a mem Der of the recently formed union of Central American states. The other members are Guatemala, Salvador and Honduras.
 Panama, February 26.---It was learned officially this afternoon that President Belizario Porras has signed proclamation declaring war against Costa Rica, but is holding it tempo rarily in abeyance. The President. assured that the entire country is behind him, contemplates taking over
 
 the republic, relying upon the na- tional assembly to confirm his ac- tion.
 The present intention of tho President is to convoke a special session of the as- sembly on Tuesday for the purpose or ratifying the declaration of war and tie Presidents dictatorial powers
 A sweeping order was issued this aft ernoon by Epzebio Morales secretary of the treasury and interior, abolishing the constitutional provisions regarding free- dom of the press and establishing q strict censorship over Panaman-Costa Rican developments.
 While nothing has been learned regard- ing the status of hostilites in the Coto district near the Pacific frontier, where Costa Rican forces on Monday occupied territory hold by Panama, it was learned authentically this morning that hurriedly gathered uporganized forces were being sent from Panama in the direction of Bocas del Toros whence caspe reports that the Costa Ricar garrisons across the hounary are being reinforced
 Lack of arms and munitions with whicf to equip the$ Panantan forces, which the government continues to organize. stilI is proving an insurmountable difficulty. Every available rifle has been issued to the volunteer forces and national police who have been sent forward to Coto and Bocas del Toro. The belief is strongly held in official circles that the uaited States government is in duty bound ta furnish panaman forces with necessary arms. since the country disarmed after completion of the Panama canal treaty and has since been in defenseless con- diton. The dual nature of the obliga~ tions of both republics under the treaty is advanced as an additional argument. especially in the belief generally hold that Costa Rica is counting upon the support of the recently formed union Of Central American republics.
 The Panaman government is urging upon the canal zone authorities and the United States legation here the advts- ability of recommending that tho United States war department issue the neces- sary war materials, and has expressed confidence that such recommendation. will be forwarded to Washington. The United States legation is still without in> structions from Washington.