Speech #800104614

I take my present position because I believe that the good name of the United States is involved. because if the legislation is adopted. then no Panamanian can be employed in the Canal Zone on the same terms with a citizen of this country. When the treaty with Panama was negotiated it was expressly agreed that the Panamanians would be employed on terms of equality with citzens of this country. I know of the argument for the amendment. that there is opposition on the part of certain citizens because they can discriminate. and do not want certain kinds of aliens to be employed. on the theory that it might endanger the safety of this country. that there might be Communists. that there might be undesirable aliens. But that has nothing to do with the matter. as I see it. The United States has entered into a treaty with Panama. and the question is whether we are going to disregard the treaty we have made with another sovr ereign government simply because it is tr our interest to do so.