And State Papers 727 



would mean bloodshed and disorder, the Colombian 

 troops having been embarked on vessels, the fol- 

 lowing instructions were sent to the commanders of 

 the Boston, Nashville, and Dixie: 



Maintain free and uninterrupted transit. If in- 

 terruption is threatened by armed force, occupy the 

 line of railroad. Prevent landing of any armed 

 force with hostile intent, either government or in- 

 surgent, at any point within 50 miles of Panama. 

 Government force reported approaching the Isthmus 

 in vessels. Prevent their landing if, in your judg- 

 ment, the landing would precipitate a conflict. 



These orders were delivered in pursuance of the 

 policy on which our Government had repeatedly 

 acted. This policy was exhibited in the following 

 orders, given under somewhat similar circumstances 

 last year, and the year before, and the year before 

 that. The first two telegrams are from the Depart- 

 ment of State to the consul at Panama : 



JULY 25, 1900 



You are directed to protest against any act of 

 hostility which may involve or imperil the safe and 

 peaceful transit of persons or property across the 

 Isthmus of Panama. The bombardment of Panama 

 would have this effect, and the United States must 

 insist upon the neutrality of the Isthmus as guaran- 

 teed by the treaty. 



NOVEMBER 20, 1901 



Notify all parties molesting or interfering with 

 free transit across the Isthmus that such interfer- 

 ence must cease and that the United States will pre- 



