Salemite, October 28,1977, Page 2
The Panama Canal:
Arguments For And Against
Ratification Of Canal Treaties:
By Sandra Spear
Last of a Series
.\()TE: In reading this article, the reader should bear in mind that this
This fact may color her discussion of the
writer supfforts ratification
arguments against ratification,
welcomed. SLS
.Additions, corrections or deletions are
Numerous arguments have been made for and against ratification
of the proposed Panama Canal treaties. Two primary issues are
debated: the need for a new treaty and the provisions of such a treaty.
I will outline the major arguments on each side of each issue,
beginning with those for a new treaty.
It is argued that the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty (1903) was ethically
wrong when negotiated, particularly since it was negotiated with a 15-
day old government which was desperate for recognition and funds.
The treaty was, in essence, a prime example of American colonialism
and was quite similar to the unequal treaties forced upon China in the
19th and early 20th centuries. Furthermore, U.S. control of the Canal
Zone remains an embarrassment in American relations with both the
Communist bloc and the Third World. In fact, some would argue, it is
proof positive of Soviet accusations of American imperialism.
Additionally, the transfer of sovereignty over the Canal Zone to
Panama would lend far more credence to Carter’s morally-based
foreign policy, particularly since the Canal Zone is governed by an
appointee of the President of the U.S., in violation of our general
committment to governmental self-determination for all peoples.
In regard to the defense treaty, the governments of Panama and the
U.S. have different interpretations of the provision for America’s right
to share in the defense of the Canal. The U.S. claims that this provision
gives it the right to guarantee the neutrality of the Canal. Panama
says that it does not give the U.S. that right. In terms of payments for
use of the Canal, opposition forces argue that $60 million is far too high
a figure. Those favoring ratification argue that the sum is
commensurate with the value of the Canal to both the U.S. and
Panama. The specified $345 million in economic and military aid is
defended in essentially the same manner, while opposition forces
attack the sum as being outrageous.
The outcome of the ratification fight in the Senate will have
repercussions in American foreign policy for years to come It
behooves every student at Salem to keep abreast of the issue as it
develops.
To these arguments, groups opposing the transfer of sovereignty
argue that, because the U.S. bought the Canal Zone, built and continue
to maintain the Canal, the Canal Zone is just as much ours as is any
other American possession, particularly since the purchase of the
Canal Zone was made according to the terms of a duly negotiated
treaty- and not as was bounty. Furthermore, it is argued, continued
American control over and operation of the Panama Canal are crucial
to the continued neutrality of the Canal, and neutrality is essential for
both international commerce and security. Opposition forces fear the
possibility of a revolution in Panama which nsight bring an anti-
American government into power. Thev also fear that this
government then might close the Canal to American vessels.
S.G.A. Reports
By Connie Caldwell
All women s colleges are not alike. They do, however, have many
sunilar problems and goals. Recognizing this fact, a number of
women s colleges in the southeastern states joined together last year
GovelZientl Southeastern Women’s College Council of Student
In response to these arguments, those in favor of transferring
sovereignty over the Canal Zone argue that revenues from Canal
operations, which the U.S. keeps, plus the economic'benefits to the
U.S. from the use of the Canal have more than compensated for any
expenses incurred. In terms of the future neutrality of the Canal it is
argued first that the major threat of revolution in Panama is
American control of the Canal, and that the transfer of sovereignty to
I anama would appease opposition forces in Panama enough to
prevent a revolution. Furthermore, the terms of the defense treaty
a low the U.S. to share in the defense of the Canal. Some military
strategists argue that it is much easier to defend the Canal from the
outside through offensive tactics than to defend it from a vulnerable
implacement in the Canal Zone itself
November 4-6 Salem College will act as hostess for the second
Sdl lateJL exchr.''"?^!- discussLs Si
tacilitate the exchange of ideas among representatives of the various
Sd SSrregidSdS/°T .'"“'•’'Shops include residence hall
anSo '^^gidations, faculty advising, student organizations special
academic programs, and student leadership. ^
of f opportunity to gain from the experiences
Viri? twelve colleges to be represented are Converse,
mS Wesleyan, Brenav,
Seminary, Hollins, Sweet Briar, and Salem.
Representatives will be staying in the dormitories Friday and
Sive as a'fuest helpSGA by having a represen
tative as a guest, please contact any member of Executive Board.
^ Membership Drive
,us,i«'’grSm?srs;e« ^ , “r'v^
an. economic a.d pr„v,ai„!?s”.' “ t7S r'cVl'!;:
rho"r^n‘’'' Publishing Co. and published every Friday of
the College year by the Student Body of Salem College
Editor-in-Chief - Beth Renters
Assistant Editor - Sandra Spear
Associate Editor - Jane Dittmann
Copy Editor - Susan Miller
Reporters:
Margaret Aslanis
Anne Beidleman
Laura Castellanos del Valle
Jan Davis
Becky Dunbar
Holly Freeburg
Beth Jones
Jan LeMons
Margaretta Yarborough
Ad Sales -
Laura Castellanos del Valle
Margy May
Business Manager - Cameron Harris
Circulation Manager - Debbie Hudson
Art Editor - Hannah Haines
Art Staff -
Anne Beidleman
Jan LeMons
Sally Lowndes
Betsy Vance
Liza Ovington
Head Photographer - Karen Smith
Photography Staff - Jan LeMons
Mildred Thomasson
Ann Yaiujian
through projects such as tutoring
children or, holding a breast
cancer program here at school.
This year, the club has had Cpl.
Bob Hammons from the Public
Safety Department as a guest
speaker on “Women’s Self
Defense, have worked at the
Back Door, and will soon begin
tutoring girls at the Salvation
Army Girl’s Club.
Circle K activities include
more than service projects.
Many social activities are held
throughout the year, either just
with Salem members or with
Salem members and members of
some other Circle K Club (such
as Wake Forest or N.C. State).
This past weekend, Salem 3
chapter met at Camp New Hope
(right outside of Chapel Hill), at a
Membership Training Rally with
150 other Circle K’ers.
Anyone who would like to join
the club is welcome. Meetings
are Monday nights, 6:30 p.m.
the Back Door.
Letters
• •
Dear Editor,
In response to the letter in last
week’s issue concerning the Bit
Four spirit chain competition we
wish to correct the many
inaccuracies presented
First of all, the spirit chain
competition was accused of
“foster(ing) an unhealthy rivalry
between classes.” Why was this
particular event singled out as
being “unhealthy” when the
success of the entire day is based
upon this very rivalry? The
project was started as a fund
raiser for the Big Four
committee and continued in this
manner during the entire “Spirit
Week.” Publicity for the project
specified that any money made
would be used for the Big Fot
social functions which cater to
the entire student T30tly, not just
one class.
The Executive Finance Board
stated that the “petition would
have not been passed” had they
known that the competition
counted towards points for
Founder’s Day. We advise the
people who review the money'
making petitions to read them
more carefully in the future
because, in the petition approved
on September 26, it is stated that
“points will be given on
Founder’s Day.” The petition
was signed and approved by
Connie Caldwell.
Our next question is, “who and
what do you deem as an
‘impartial person?” A freshman
was overall chairman for the
project with people from each
class on the committee. At the
final counting of the links at6:M,
Sunday night (which, by the way,
was stated as the deadline and'if
you question this, please see a
copy of the flyer that was placed
in your box) there were members
from all four classes present. We
feel that this is as impartial as
could possibly be.
Yes, there is “an explanation
for the group of seniors standing
around the tally table.. . .” 1) the
“group” consisted of members
from each class, not just the
seniors. 2) the “tally table was
in reality, the dinner hostess*
table. The actual tallying of the
links took place in Dee Wilson*
room, (chairman of the probject)
after the 6:00 deadline. 3)
checkbooks” were not “in ban
and money was rejected after the
deadline.
The Competition, as orii
planned, counted only
thirteenth of the games,
was, winning this one game
no effect on the final outcoin
the games. ,
We understand that people
be offended by money w
involved in Founders
competition, but no one
forced to contribute. Have f
forgotten that the money di
go simply for "conslrj;
paper,” but for the Big
provide better dances for .
Furthermore, may we sug
that in the future, when wr«
Letters to the Editor, arg
should be based on fael’
than more hearsay.
one'
As it
Jennifer^
janGuit"'
Terr)'Tip’*
Martha Lee
at