Turmoil in Panama

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27565, 24 January 1955, Page 8

Turmoil in Panama

The strategic position of the Republic of Panama in the lines of communication of the free world gives it an importance far beyond its wealth or its population of 800,000. The recent assassination of President Jose Remon, and the subsequent arrest of his successor in office, Jose Guizado, on a charge of being implicated in the murder mean that the free world will have to keep a watchful eye on the tiny republic, lest it lapse again into the instability of the years before President Remon assumed power. The assassinated President was admittedly a “ dictator-type ” strong man; but he had restored order in a country which sadly needed it. Of five Presidents in a brief period before President Remon took power in 1952, after years as chief of police, two were removed by force. President Remon restored the republic’s finances, enforced its tax collections, and outlawed the Communist Party. He was personally responsible for the negotiation of a new treaty (much more favourable to Panama) controlling the relations of ‘his country with the United States in the Administration and control of

the Panama Canal, a vital gateway to the Pacific. Now, - the stability that President Remon gave Panama has disappeared, his successor is awaiting trial by Parliament, and a third President (the third in 13 days) is in control. Panama needs good government, and strong government; and it will be the hope of the free world that the country will recover quickly from the shock of the assassination and the political trial of those alleged to be responsible. The present “ war ” in Costa Rica, plainly enough, controlled from bases in Nicaragua, the troubles in Guatemala, and the constitutional setbacks in British Guiana already make this area a serious problem for the free world without the possibility of further internal dissension in Panama, astride one of the world’s most important waterways, the maintenance of which is vital both for trade and Pacific defence.