Terms of the Treaties

Terms of the TREATY CONCERNING THE PERMANENT NEUTRALITY AND OPERATION OF THE PANAMA CANAL (commonly called the Neutrality Treaty)

• The U.S. retains the permanent right to defend the canal from any threat that might interfere with its continued neutral service to ships of all nations;
• The U.S. does not have the right to intervene in the internal affairs of Panama;
• Panama and the U.S., acting alone or jointly, may defend the canal against any threat and defend the peaceful transit of vessels through it;
• Both U.S. and Panamanian warships entering the canal may go to the head of the line if necessary.

Terms of the PANAMA CANAL TREATY

• The Canal Zone, as an entity, ceases to exist, October 1, 1979;
• The U.S. retains primary responsibility for canal operations and defense until the year 2000;
• Until 2000, Panama assumes greater degrees of participation in canal operation;
• After 2000, Panama assumes full responsibility for canal operations and becomes primarily responsible for its defense.