Panama: Passing a Test

The mob came boiling down Panama City's Avenida Central last week, howling anti-Yanqui slogans on its way to the U.S. Canal Zone. It was the anniversary of the violent riots that killed 21 Panamanians and four U.S. soldiers in January 1964. But this time 100 troopers of Panama's tough Guardia Nacional stood near the zone border. When the riot-minded students and professional leftists came into range, the guardsmen laid down a tear-gas barrage, then expertly dispersed the crowd. Within 45 minutes it was all over, and Panama had passed a milestone of...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!