The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-02-27
STORM CLOUDS
Are APPEARING
Colombians in Panama Ask
Government for Arms to
Fight Costa Ricans.
WASHINGTON TO ACT
Decisive Action Must Be Taken
at Once to Preserve Peace
Near Canal Zone.
Gay the Associated Press)

Nby I've IRbsOCtdkeu TFeSSJ
PANAMA. Feb. 26.-Hostilities be-
tAeen Panama and Costa Rica showed
possibilities this afternoon of develop
ing into O conflict involving all of
central America and Colombia. Lead
ing Colombians residing in Panama
haIge sent a wireless message to Bo-
gotta asking the Colombian govern
ment 10 furnish them with arms. for
the purpose Of enlisting against Costa
Rica.
They also ask the Colombian gov
ernment what action it is willing TO
take officially to protect Panama
against Costa Rica, which is a mem
ber of the recently. formed union of
Central American states. The other
members are Guatemala, Salvador
and Honduras.
Porran Declares War.
1t was learned officially this after
noon that President Belisario Porras
his signed a proclamation declaring
war against Costa Riea, but is hold
ing 1t temporarily in allegiance.
While nothing has been learned re-
garding the status of politics i'm the
Colombian district near the Pacific
frontier where Costa Rican forces on
Monday occupied territory held by
Panama, II was learned authentically
this morning that hurriedly gathered,
unorganized forces were being sent
from Panama in the direction of Bocas
del Torp, whence come reports that
the Costa Rican garrisons across the
boundary are being reinforced.
Lack of arms and ammunition with
which to equip the Panama forces
which the government continues to
organize stiil Is proving an insur-
mountable difficulty. Every available
rifle has been issued TO the volunteer
forces and national police, who have
been sent forward to Coto and to
Bocas del Toro.
Want U. S. to Supply Arms.
The belief is strongly held in official
circles that the United States govern
ment is In duty bound to furnish the
Panaman forces with necessary arms,
since the country disarmed after COM
pletion OF the Panama canal treaty
and has since been in a defenseless
condition. The dual nature Of the OBJ
legations OF these republics under the
treaty is advanced as an additional
argument. especially in the belief gem
orally held that Costa Rica is count
ing upon the support of the recently
formed union of Central American re-
publics.
WASHINGTON. Feb. &c. Faced
with the seriousness OF the situation,
officials of the state department be-
gan tonight consideration of steps to
take in case It should be necessary to
attempt to avert war between Panama
and Costa Rica.
Official information that President
Porras Of Panama had gone so far as
TO sign a declaration of war was vet
lacking and from Costa Rica no in
formation had been received, notwith-
standing an inquiry TO the American
legation.
Just what measures viii be adopted
had not been determined tonight and
will not be, IL was said, until all the
facas are officially communicated TO
the department.
Decisive Action Needed.
II was admitted, however that de-
spite the awkward predicament pre-
. sented in the laying out of any course
ups the eve Of a change of admins
trauons. some decisive action win he
necessary IL the two countries should
engage in hostilities.
The obvious remedy offered of land
ing American troops to avoid clash
was dismissed by those who believed
both governments could be induced to
listen 10 friendly council and, II not,
10 stern warning that they said the
department was prepared 10 issue IL
1t should be NECESSARY. II was regard
ed as probab.e that Identical mes
sages would ba sent to both capitals.
Diplomaticallf the situation pre-
sented was regarded by officials here
as far from SIMPLE Coto is a part OF
the territory whose sovereignty was
determined by Ghief Justice White
acting as an arbIter many years ago
after one adjudication already had
been made by President Loubet OF
France. Chief Justice White awarded
the territory to Costa Rica but il
never has actually passed under Costa
Rican control.
But regardless of the territorial
rights involved the chief concern here
"a the continued peace OF all the ter
ritory adjacent to the Panama canal.