Burton to George Henry Preble, July 1, 1865

Mr. Burton to Commander Preble,

Sir: The President of Colombia informed me to-day that he is advised that armed men from other States are preparing to invade the State of Panama for the purpose of making war against its authorities and people, and expressed it as his opinion that such an invasion would be a violation of the neutrality and sovereignty of the isthmus, which the United States are bound by treaty to secure to Colombia. I regret to say that I am without positive instructions on this point. It is, however, my opinion that the President’s views are reasonable, and that while carefully avoiding any interference in the local affairs of the State, except for the protection of American interests, it is our duty to prevent its invasion by armed force from abroad if called on to do so by the proper authority of the republic, vested at present, as the President informs me, in General Santos Gutierrez.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,