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If I could have foreseen early in 1977 the terrible battle we would face in Congress, it would have been a great temptation for me to avoid the issue — at least during my first term. The struggle left deep and serious political wounds that have never healed. Were the treaties worth what we paid for them? There is no doubt that the answer is "Yes!" We are a nation that believes in equality, justice, honesty and truth. Would we have gone gone to to war with Panama if if the the treaties had been rejected? I honestly do not know. There is no doubt that, in a massive military confrontation, we could have prevailed against this tiny country, but in the bloody process all of us would have suffered, and the Canal would have been closed.
Some fine members of Congress had to pay with their political careers for their votes during these long and difficult months. Their courage represents the best of American Government; I am proud of the role they and I played in this dramatic and historic event.