Primary Documents - Ramon Valdez on Panama's Declaration of War, 7 April 1917
Reproduced below is Panama President Ramon Valdez's statement on his government's decision to go to war against Germany on 7 April 1917.
Panama's declaration followed the U.S.A.'s decision, one day earlier, to enter the war.
Valdez openly stated that his country's wellbeing was dependent upon America's success in the war and that, consequently, Panama would assist the U.S. in any way it could during wartime.
Ramon Valdez's Statement on Panama's Decision to Enter the War, 7 April 1917
Our indisputable duty in this tremendous hour of history is of a common ally, whose interests and existence as well are linked indissolubly with the United States.
As the situation creates dangers for our country, it is the duty of the Panaman people to cooperate with all the energies and resources they can command for the protection of the canal and to safeguard national territory.
The attitude of the people was foreseen and interpreted faithfully in a resolution unanimously approved by the National Assembly on February 24th, and confirmed by later laws, and the moment has arrived for the Executive to act in accordance with the declarations of the supreme body.
I therefore declare that the Panaman Nation will lend emphatic cooperation to the United States against enemies who execute or attempt to execute hostile acts against the territory of the canal, or in any manner affect or tend to affect the common interests.
The Government will adopt adequate measures in accordance with the circumstances. I consider it the patriotic duty of all Panaman citizens to facilitate the military operations which the forces of the United States undertake within the limits of our country.
Foreigners, resident or transient, will be obliged to submit to the conditions of this declaration.
Source: Source Records of the Great War, Vol. V, ed. Charles F. Horne, National Alumni 1923
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