Senator George Smathers Radio Broadcast 71

one. Take 1 28 31. Senator Smathers. One of the sad and distressing events of this past week was the news that a large group of men organized in Cuba had invaded the democratic country. Panama. This was a matter which disturbed not only the Senate, but more particularly the Organization of American States, how it's going to end where it's going to stop.

Nobody at this moment really know I'm honored to have. Here's my guest to discuss this important subject at this time the present ambassador from the country of Panama, the former president of this country of Panama, the honourable Ricardo Arias. And I'd like to start off by asking him this question and get it straight.

Mr. Ambassador, you are not related to understand to the Roberto Areas which is supposed to be having something to do with this present invasion. No, Senator, I'm not related. We have the same name, but that's all. Now would you tell? Tell us just what happened. When did you first hear about this?

How how serious is it and so on? Well, let me beg. Tell him a brief way how events occurred in the first days of April, a group of Panamanians of young Panamanians went into the mountains in the province of what I was with a thought and intention of overthrowing the government of animals.

The government immediately took a necessary steps, put an end to this adventure, and that was able to come to an end. But then the government had reports from what we thought were very good sources, that an invasion of measuring people were was was being organized in Cuba.

We even got reports that three boats, we're ready to leave the island at any minute. When we received the news, three went to the Cuban government and made our representation. The Cuban government, through his minister of foreign relations, as voice our ambassador, that their government will take all the necessary measures to avoid.

But so this could occur based on that and knowing that our information was forwarded. Source. We have to close what and in practice on the night of the 25th over the morning of the 21st, I should say a boat arrived on the Atlantic coast with a group of 80 men and landed in a place called Mambo with your business, the requested me to go through the Organization of American States and present the case to them.

And it broke the agreement of reciprocal assistance that is signed by all the American country. Day before yesterday, I won before the council. I'm presenting my case. The council declared reset of 24 hours so the different members could consult with the government. And we met again.

Yes, we have noon. At that meeting, the council approved my request in the sense that the pretty a reciprocal assistance should be brought its life. Right. Now, let me ask you this question right there. How many forces do you have there in Panama to defend yourself?

Well, actually, that's a good question, Senator. Panama has no army. Panama hassle about 2000 men, which is called the National Guard. But actually what it is, it is a police force, right? The reason why we call it the National Guard is that due to all of international and inter American commitment, for example, here in Washington you have the inter American military.

Mm. Before Panama would have to send a man who was a member of Police force, the right group, and of course, they didn't look very well upon. So by giving the name of National Guard, we were able to give these people military titles. Right. Let me ask you this question.

Do you think that the communists here behind this in any way? Oh, yes. You're satisfied that they are? Oh, yes. I think the communist behind every one of those movements. Of course, they're not going to show the hand. They never have until they're going ahead and taking control of the, you know, of any more democratic country in Central and South America than the country of Panama.

I don't think Parliament has had in his history of more Democratic President. Do you think you'll be able to resist? This invasion is now going on. Well, I think with the help of the Organization of American States, we will be able to assist it. Thank you very much, Mr Ambassador.

Thank you very much, Ladies and gentlemen, for looking in. I hope you'll look in again at this same time next week.