It is with a great deal of concern that we should note the passing of the Panama Canal Dec. 14 from U.S. to Panamanian control. Of particular concern is that a Chinese corporation, Hutchison-Whampoa Ltd., who bribed Panamanian legislators to get the contract, will run Panama's port operations.

No corporation that fails to play by Communist Party rules can achieve monopoly status in a socialistic state. The fact that Hutchison is “publicly traded” gives it respectability, not freedom of action from Chinese strategic objectives.

Correspondingly, we cannot overlook the fact that Panama's version of the treaty gives Panama a veto on U.S. action to secure the Canal.

It should also be noted that Bill Clinton and his Secretary of State both avoided controversy by not attending the Canal turnover ceremonies. Unfortunately, their inattention, and failure to conclude a mutual security agreement with Panama — which now has no army — will be construed internationally as unconcern about the Canal's future. Colombian Marxist rebels, who have applied to Beijing for recognition, are already operating within 15 miles of the canal. In one attack on Dec. 12, they killed 45 Colombian soldiers, according to the London Telegraph.

The Clinton-Gore Administration is noted for disdain of national strategic priorities and a “see-no-evil” policy on Communist China. It appears that both agendas have converged at the Panama Canal.

William Fielder
Peachtree City

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