Carter: "There are two treaties"
"Terms of the Treaties
Terms of the TREATY CONCERNING THE PERMANENT NEUTRALITY AND OPERATION OF THE PANAMA CANAL (commonly called the Neutrality Treaty)
Terms of the PANAMA CANAL TREATY
- The U.S. retains the permanent right to defend the canal from any threat that might interfere with its continued neutral service to ships of all nations;
- The U.S. does not have the right to intervene in the internal affairs of Panama;
- Panama and the U.S., acting alone or jointly, may defend the canal against any threat and defend the peaceful transit of vessels through it;
- Both U.S. and Panamanian warships entering the canal may go to the head of the line if necessary.
Terms of the PANAMA CANAL TREATY
- The Canal Zone, as an entity, ceases to exist, October 1, 1979;
- The U.S. retains primary responsibility for canal operations and defense until the year 2000;
- Until 2000, Panama assumes greater degrees of participation in canal operation;
- After 2000, Panama assumes full responsibility for canal operations and becomes primarily responsible for its defense."
President Carter sent this letter to the Congress explaining the terms of the treaties.
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