As for Colombia's attitude, it is incomprehensible upon any theory of desire to see the canal built upon the basis of mutual advantage alike to those building it and to Colombia herself.

All we desire to do is to take up the work begun by the French Government and to finish it.

Obviously it is Colombia's duty to help towards such completion.

We are most anxious to come to an agreement with her in which most scrupulous care should be taken to guard her interests and ours.

But we cannot consent to permit her to block the performance of the work which it is so greatly to our interest immediately to begin and carry through." Shortly after this rough draft was dictated the Panama revolution came, and I never thought of the rough draft again until I was accused of having instigated the revolution.