To work to bring the American Convention on Human Rights into effect in this year, the 30th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

I come here with a sense of history, a sense of appreciation for what you have accomplished and are accomplishing for our country.

We have found the Panamanian negotiators and their Chief of State to be tough, prudent, fair, tenacious, friendly, and gracious.

I've instructed all the officials, both military and civilian, in this Canal Zone to contact me directly to alleviate any concerns.

General Torrijos has a great slogan. He wants to do away with the class struggle and have a classroom struggle instead.

We pledge to work actively and in cooperation with each other and with other states.

I look forward to this coming time, and I believe that we can avoid any challenge to this commitment which we have made together.

As we move toward a time of increased friendship, equality, and partnership, many people in the United States have taken the time and effort to learn more about Panama.

To speak out for human rights and fundamental freedoms everywhere and to work to eliminate repression.

The rights of American workers will be protected.

And my strongest feeling at this moment is to express my appreciation to those of Panama and to those of our own country and to those who helped them.

Let us resolve anew to settle the remaining territorial disputes in our hemisphere through peaceful negotiation.

First of all, let me say that this has been a wonderful experience for all of us from the United States to come here and be received with such great hospitality by President Lakas and by General Torrijos.

We have shown that even great changes in international relations can be accomplished through putting these principles to work.

I don't come to you as a stranger, but as a friend and partner.

I want to dramatize my appreciation for this great achievement—a firmer, more productive friendship between the United States of America and the Republic of Panama and, more broadly, a gain for the cause of peace and cooperation among all…

Signing of H.R. 11657.

There will be no bloodshed, no bitterness, no instant when the path between the Earth's two great oceans will be closed.