Torrijos–Carter treaties Jesse Helms

helms long-time opponent of transferring possession of panama canal panama, calling construction historic american achievement. warned fall hands of omar torrijos s communist friends . issue of transfer of canal debated in 1976 presidential race, wherein then-president ford suspended negotiations on transfer of sovereignty assuage conservative opposition. in 1977, president jimmy carter reopened negotiations, appointing sol linowitz co-negotiator without senate confirmation, , helms , strom thurmond led opposition transfer. helms claimed linowitz s involvement marine midland constituted conflict of interests, arguing constituted bailout of american banking interests. filed 2 federal suits, demanding prior congressional approval of treaty , consent both houses of congress. helms rallied reagan, telling him negotiation on panama second schweiker far conservative base concerned.

when carter announced, on august 10, 1977, conclusion of treaties, helms declared constitutional crisis, cited need support of united states allies in latin america, accused u.s. of submitting panamanian blackmail, , complained decision threatened national security in event of war in europe. helms threatened obstruct senate business, proposing 200 amendments revision of united states criminal code, knowing americans opposed treaties , punish congressmen voted them if ratification vote came in run-up election. helms announced results of opinion poll showing 78% public opposition. however, helms , thurmond s leadership of opposition made politically easier carter, causing them replaced soft-spoken paul laxalt.