INTER AMERICAN GEODETIC SURVEY 
United States Array Caribbean 
Box 2031, Balboa Heights, C. Z. 
16 November 1949 
Mr. A, Wetraore 
Secretary 
Smithsonian Institution 
Washington 25, D. C, 
Dear Mr. Wetmores 
In reply to your letter of 10 November 1949 I am inclosing 
two copies of a sketch map of the region of eastern Panama at 
the scale of 1:500,000, and the latest available Aeronautical 
Chart. A brief description of the region by one of our recon¬ 
naissance officers is included. 
In 1947 this organization established an astrolabe station 
at the confluence of the Cabana and Lara Rivers about sixteen 
miles north of La Palma. The position was determined to be 
Latitude 8° 37* 18", Longitude 78° 08« 31”. The description of 
the point is "the VEE" formed by the junction. A 'he point is 
covered with mangrove trees about thirty feet high. The station 
was not monumented. 
The Sinclair Oil Company has done considerable work up the 
Chucunaque River to the Chiati River. 
Members of this organization approached the triangulation 
stations from seaward - usually using landing craft and then 
proceeding inland to the mountains. No extended trips were 
made up the Rio Bayano. 
At La Palma there are three porters who are recommended. 
They sire Eladio Rodriguez, Mateo Alegria, and Francisco Garcia. 
At the present time this organization is working between the 
Pacific Coast and the Perlas Islands. The Inter American Geodetic 
Survey will do anything within its capabilities to assist you in 
your research. Do not hesitate to call upon us. 
Sincerely, 
lA.'wg f MOHE 
NOV 22 19*9 
Inc Is. 
FAP/mg 
FRANK A. PETTIT 
Colonel, CE 
Director 
