Records of the Department of State Relating to Political Relations between the United States and Panama, 1950-1959
Much of the United States’ 19th and 20th century dealings with Panama revolved around its commercial and military interests in transit across the Isthmus, which culminated in 1914 with the completion of the Panama Canal. The documents found in these files are predominantly instructions to – and despatches from – diplomatic and consular officials and are often accompanied by enclosures. Notes between the Department of State and foreign diplomats in the United States, memoranda prepared by State Department officials, and correspondence with officials of other government departments, as well as with private businesses and persons, are also included.