LATIN AMERICA: In Panama

Blood red the flag of Communism flew over Panama City. Rents had been high, wages low. Striking tenants and laborers swarmed in thousands through the streets, and frightened President Chiari of Panama into calling for U. S. troops from the Canal Zone.†

Marched forth three U. S. battalions of the 33rd Infantry from Fort Clayton, five miles away. Commanded by General Martin, they proceeded to Panama City and dispersed the rioters with fixed bayonets. To fiery-hearted Latin Communists, who bared their chests and demanded to be stabbed or shot, the U. S. soldiers responded with proddings in another part of the anatomy and good natured jeers. As night fell, they planted machine guns at strategic points and awaited further developments.

Forth came President Chiari. After conferring with representatives of the landlords and striking tenants, who were being held as prisoners, he found that their rage had not yet cooled sufficiently for a compromise to be possible.

Sadly President Chiari returned to his official residence; invited his U. S. guests to stay and police Panama until the present emergency is considered past. Declared satisfied U. S. conservatives: “Red flags fly at Panama, but the American flag flies above them.” But U. S. radicals grumbled. “The sacred right of revolution has been wrested from a supposedly free people.”

†At the Pacific end of the Panama Canal are Panama City (native) and Balboa (U. S.) ; at the Atlantic end are Colon (native) and Christobel (U. S.).