On Toward May

For weeks, a hapless OAS committee had tried to mediate the squabble between Panama and the U.S. But both sides were adamant. Panama refused to resume diplomatic relations until the U.S. promised to renegotiate the 61-year-old canal treaty; the U.S. would not consider renegotiations until relations were restored. Then, early last week, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State

Thomas Mann and Miguel J. Moreno Jr., Panamanian ambassador to the OAS, finally agreed to accept the committee's delicately worded formula for restoring relations. Next day, however, President Johnson abruptly rejected the agreement, leaving the U.S.-Panamanian impasse exactly where it was eleven weeks ago, after the bloody Canal Zone riots.

The formula itself was not what bothered Lyndon Johnson. It called for reestablishing relations "as soon as possible"; then, within 30 days after the resumption of relations, the two governments would designate special ambassadors to "carry out discussions and negotiations with the objective of reaching a fair and just agreement." But Johnson was infuriated by press and radio reports from Panama that interpreted the OAS formula as a triumph for Panamanian President Roberto F. Chiari and a specific U.S. commitment to renegotiate the treaty.

The OAS was stunned and distressed by the turn of events. Its peacemaking committee formally tossed in the towel; only after some urging from the OAS Council did it decide to try, try again. At week's end, Johnson sent a mollifying statement to the OAS reiterating his determination to accept "any solution that is fair." If nothing comes of the gesture, the U.S. seems quite willing to wait until after Panama's May 10 elections, when passions and politics in the isthmus republic should be less heated.

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