What Were The Specific Implications Of The 1907 Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty On The US-Panama Relationship In The Context Of The 1903 Hay-Herrán Treaty, And How Did The Roosevelt Administration's Reinterpretation Of The 1850 Clayton-Bulwer Treaty Influence The Negotiations With Panama, Particularly With Regards To The Neutrality Clause And The US's Responsibilities For The Panama Canal's Defense?

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The 1904 Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty significantly impacted the US-Panama relationship, replacing the earlier Hay-Herrán Treaty with Colombia, which was rejected. Here's a structured overview of the implications and influences:

  1. Replacement of Hay-Herrán Treaty (1903):

    • The Hay-Herrán Treaty, negotiated with Colombia, was rejected by the Colombian Senate, leading Panama to declare independence with US support.
    • The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty was then negotiated directly with Panama, granting the US more favorable terms for the Panama Canal.

  2. Key Provisions of the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty:

    • Canal Construction and Operation: The US gained the right to build, operate, and defend the Panama Canal.
    • Panama Canal Zone: Established a zone under US control, giving the US sovereignty over the territory surrounding the canal.

  3. Roosevelt Administration's Reinterpretation of the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty (1850):

    • The Clayton-Bulwer Treaty originally required joint US-British protection of any future canal. The US reinterpreted it to allow unilateral construction and defense, arguing it didn't prevent solo projects.
    • This reinterpretation enabled the US to proceed without British involvement, reinforcing US dominance in the region.

  4. Neutrality Clause and US Responsibilities:

    • The treaty ensured the canal's neutrality, modeled after the Suez Canal, guaranteeing access to all nations.
    • The US assumed responsibility for the canal's defense, establishing a military presence in the Canal Zone to maintain security and openness.

In summary, the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty marked a significant shift in US strategy, allowing the US to control the Panama Canal and its surroundings. The reinterpretation of the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty facilitated this by bypassing British involvement, while the neutrality clause and defense responsibilities solidified US influence in the region.