Jimmy Carter actually said...

"I would hate to have to do this."

"Under six Presidents, three Republicans and three Democrats, there has been a recognition from the White House that the treaties that are presently in existence need to be modified."

"I believe that there's a growing sentiment, both in the United States among our people and also among the Senators who have studied this matter so carefully, that the treaties indeed should be ratifie..."

"It would be a severe blow, not only to the Panamanian people but to the American people as well."