April 16, 1948. 
The Honorable, 
The Secretary of State, 
Washington 25, D.C. 
Sir: 
Reference is made to my communication of December 22, 1947, 
relative to plans of the Smithsonian Institution for biological in¬ 
vestigations to be undertaken in Panama early in 1948, and reply 
under date of January 7 by Paul C. Daniels, Director for American 
Republic Affairs. 
I beg to advise that I have just returned from Panama after con¬ 
cluding studies that have been highly successful. Through the 
American Embassy in Panama City I received a paper from the 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Panama indicating that the biological 
work in question was authorized. Under this permission we had 
most friendly reception in the areas visited, and were able to carry 
forward the work with full understanding and cooperation of local 
authorities. In fact, our reception was most friendly everywhere. 
I established also close relations with Dr. Alejandro Mendez, 
Director of the Museo Nacional in Panama City which led to 
mutual benefit. 
I wish to make this acknowledgment and to express our thanks to 
the Department of State for its assistance in this matter. I am 
Respectfully yours. 
A. Wetmore, 
Secretary. 
