The Panama Canal Treaties and United States Interests Beyond the Year 2000

After many years of intense negotiations, the governments of the United States and Panama signed the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal and the Panama Canal Treaty in September 1977. Despite a swell of opposition, the treaties were ratified by the United States Senate by the margin of a single vote. The tempest stirred by those debates has lessened over the last ten years, but as the final date of implementation approaches there will be a new and heightened awareness of the issue and a strong sentiment to protect the vital interests of the United States. This study seeks to establish historic perspective, review the issues of the negotiations, examine the proponent and opponent positions in the U.S. Senate debates, and examine if any need exists for a unilateral abrogation of the treaties in view of the political, economic and military value of the view of the Canal. Keywords Military publications, Reports, Periodicals.