Hay Bunau Varilla Treaty Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Hay Bunau Varilla Treaty?

The Hay Bunau-Varilla Treaty was a 1903 treaty signed between the United States and Panama that granted the US rights over the Panama Canal Zone. The treaty was negotiated by Philippe Bunau-Varilla, who represented Panama in negotiations with the US government. It was signed on November 18, 1903, by William H. Taft for the United States and Philippe Bunau-Varilla for Panama.The agreement gave the United States exclusive control of a 10 mile wide strip of land across what is now known as Panamanian territory to construct and operate an interoceanic canal through Central America. This included all islands belonging to or situated near this area, including Pearl Island which had been ceded to Colombia (who then controlled modern day Panama) by Spain in 1822 as part of its independence treaty from them. In return for their rights, The US agreed to pay $10 million immediately plus annual payments of $250K for 100 years (which were later increased). Under this agreement, the US gained sovereign authority over those lands in perpetuity, making it able to build fortifications within those areas without any input or interference from other nations as well as enforce any laws necessary for its protection. The US also received complete jurisdiction over all criminal and civil cases occurring within these boundaries not involving citizens from either country’s governments or consular officers present at such proceedings.