Permanent Neutrality and the Panama Canal after 1999
Abstract
The transfer of all responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the Panama Canal to the Republic of Panama on 31 December 1999 marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in U.S.-Panamanian relations. Under the terms of the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal, the U.S. and Panama agreed that the canal would be operated in accordance with a regime of permanent neutrality. The U.S. retains the right to expeditious transit and unilateral action in defense of the canal if deemed necessary. This study seeks to examine the historical example of neutrality with respect to the Panama Canal. A brief comparative look at the Suez Crisis of 1956 is provided. The study analyzes the 1977 Neutrality Treaty, then postulates several scenarios for consideration of appropriate U.S. responses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA207385
Entities
People
- Robert J. Sanders Jr.
Organizations
- United States Army War College