Hamilton Fish to Scruggs, October 29, 1873

No. 187. Mr. Fish to Mr. Scruggs.

Sir: Inclosed is a copy of a letter of the 25th instant, and of the papers by which it is accompanied, addressed to this Department by Mr. John Keeler, Secretary of the Panama Railroad Company, relating to recent disturbances on the Isthmus of Panama. This Department deems it important, in the interest of general commerce, and especially of the carrying trade of that route, that these disturbances should be guarded against. By the treaty with New Granada of 1846 this Government has engaged to guarantee the neutrality of the Isthmus of Panama. This engagement, however, has never been acknowledged to embrace the duty of protecting the road across it from the violence of local factions; but it is regarded as the undoubted duty of the Colombian government to protect it against attacks from local insurgents.

You are consequently requested to address a representation upon this subject to the Colombian minister for foreign affairs, and to ask that a sufficient force be kept on the isthmus to deter attacks upon the road, its officers, or servants.

I am, &c.,