The New York herald., 1921-03-06
US. SENDS PEACE
NOTES TOPANAMA
AND TOCOSTA RIGA.
Central American Dispute
Deemed to Involve the
Canal Zone.
ACTION UNDER TREATY
Secretary Hughes Intimates
in Notes to Belligerents Or
der Will Be Enforced.
CONFERS WITH HARDING
Naval Force Now on Way Will
Be Augmented Unless
Squabble Ends.
CONFERS WITH HARDING
Special Despatch 10 THE New YoRK HEsALD.
New York Herald Bureau,
Washington, ID. C., March ).

Special Despatch 10 THE New YoRK HEsALD.
New York Herald Bureau,
Washington, ID. c., March ).
The United States will not tolerate
further fighting between Panama and
Costa Rica with It's accompanying
threat TO American interests In the
Panama Canal Zone.
Notice amounting in substance to
an ultimatunl was sent to-day by the
State Department to the two belliger-
ents that fighting must cease. Sup
porting this sharp injunction Ameri-
can warships have been ordered to
take up stations near the zone OF dis
turbance. and vessels are already
steaming under direction Of Rear Ad-
niral Henry F. Bryan, commanding
tral American waters. toward their
assigned posts.
United states Interests Involved.
That action is the first intimation of
the policy which the new Administration
will pursue relative to affairs In Latin
America between the Rio Grande and
the Canal. II followed conference be-
tween President Harding and Secretary
Of State Hughes this morning which
was continued this afternoon.
The move is based on the right which
the United States has under the treaty
with Panama. TO take action when
American interests are threatened and
when II is evident that the local Gov
ernment cannot maintain order The
treaty with Panama also places on this
Government the responsibility OF pre-
serving the Independence OF Panama.
While encroachment on the territory of
Panama does not necessarily entail sacri-
flee Of its independence. the RESPONSE
bility might carry to the extent OF COM
pelling the United States TO SEQ to 1t
that all territory taken from Panama is
returned.
Another complication IS the League
Of Nations notice to Panama and to
Costa Rica. which are members of the
league, that they are expected to COM
pose their differences 1t is assumed
that the United States is not disposed
to recognize the right Of the league TO
Interfere in American affairs. nor does
It wish to precipitate an argument OF
this character now.
The first step in dealing vigorously
with Panama and Costa Rica was taken
yesterday by the State Department be-
fore Secretary Hughes took office. but
with his knowledge and approval. The
department requested the Navy De-
partment to send war vessels to the
threatened district for the purpose OF
protecting American lives and prop
erty.'
The more drastic action OF summon
ing the belligerents TO stop fighting
was taken after the final conference
between President Harding and Sec
retary Hughes this afternoon.
Following the action OF yesterday. the
gunboat Sacramento was sent to AL
mirante, while Admiral Bryan will send
additional vessels to threatend points
on both sides OF the isthmus. II is
understood there are sufficient marines
in Admiral Bryan's squadron to handle
any ordinary difficult situation. while
the troops OF the Canal Zone are In
reserve to keep anything that may de-
velop well In hand"
Additional information has been re-
ceived here TO the effect that Costa
Rican troops have occupied territory
which is indubitably that of Panama.