William Helms: “I do hope the Senate will approve this resolution urging the President to negotiate an agreement with Panama to permit…”

“I do hope the Senate will approve this resolution urging the President to negotiate an agreement with Panama to permit United States Armed Forces to maintain a presence in that country beyond the year 2000. The Panama Canal treaties state that unless we pursue an agreement with Panama, the United States military must complete the withdrawal of its forces from Panama by the date. Imagine, if you can, the U.S. flag coming down for the last time on December 31, 1999--ending a special and unique relationship that has lasted almost a century. This must not be allowed to happen. The Panama Canal treaties provide for a continued United States military presence--if both parties express an interest. I feel strongly that it is in the best interests of both the United States and Panama to maintain a United States military presence in Panama. United States forces in Panama help promote stable democracies throughout the region and serve as a critical component for United States counter-drug monitoring and interdiction efforts. Without question, United States forces offer the best protection for the Panama Canal. If the United States leaves, the canal will be left literally undefended.”