On 15 February 1966, Notes were exchanged with the Government of Panama authorizing site surveys. A similar exchange took place with Colombia on 25 October 1966. Since then detailed arrangements have been developed to include use of real estate; the movement of personnel, supplies and equipment; local participation of host country personnel; exchange of data; and processing of claims. We are enjoying excellent cooperation with both host countries. STATUS OF STUDY AND FUTURE PLANS At this time I would like to call upon Mr. Sheffey, to discuss with you the status of the studies of foreign policy, defense, finance, shipping and public information. Mr. SHEFFEY. Mr. Chairman, the Commission is directing studies in six major fields in order to provide itself a comprehensive foundation of factual data, estimates, and expert opinions upon which to base its own ultimate findings and recommendations. I will report briefly on five of these studies, after which General Woodbury, The Engineering Agent, will report on the study of Engineering Feasibility. First, the Study of Foreign Policy Considerations.-This study is being accomplished by an interdepartmental group chaired by Mr. Jerome F. Fried of the Department of State. The purpose of this study is as follows: a. To evaluate the effect of the construction of a sea-level Isthmian canal on the United States relations with: (1) the canal-site countries, and (2) the countries that are significant users of the canal; and b. To advise the Commission whether U.S. foreign policy interests are best served by the construction of a sea-level canal by conventional or by nuclear methods; and c. To advise the Commission of the foreign policy aspects of sea-level canal finance and operations. The completion of this study is dependent upon the future completion of treaty arrangements with the canal-site countries for the option to construct and operate a sea-level canal. This study is also dependent upon the progress of the Plowshare nuclear excavation experiments and the success or failure of efforts to establish an acceptable international arrangement for the application of the nuclear excavation technology. To date, the Foreign Policy Study Group has drafted the portions of its study dealing with the background of current relations with Panama and Colombia, the United States policy on international limitations on the testing of nuclear explosives, and the political importance of the military bases in Panama. A contract with a private research organization has just been let to evaluate the potential economic impacts on the canal-site countries. Second, the Study of National Defense Aspects.-This study is being accomplished by an interdepartmental group chaired by The Honorable Thaddeus Holt, the Deputy Under Secretary of the Army for International Affairs. The purpose of this study is: 2 To examine the potential effects of construction of an Atlantic-Pacific sea-level Isthmian canal on the national defense of the United States and to compare alternate routes and methods of construction from the standpoint of national defense. The initial evaluation of the contribution that a sea-level canal could make to our national defense has already been completed. Of necessity this study is classified; but it is no secret that a wide, deep, reasonably secure sea-level canal through which our modern aircraft carriers could deploy quickly from ocean to ocean would add to the efficiency and effectiveness of our Navy. The Department of Defense would welcome an Isthmian canal without the vulnerable locks and dams of the present canal particularly as it relates to the logistical support of combat forces overseas. Third, the Study of Canal Finance.-This study is being accomplished by an interdepartmental group chaired by Mr. R. Duane Saunders of the Department of the Treasury. The purpose of this study is: To examine the methods available for financing the construction and operation of a sea-level canal; and, in cooperation with other agencies and the Commission, to analyze the effects of each method. The completion of this study must await the development of estimates of construction and operating costs for the alternative canals under consideration and final agreement on the treaty terms under which they would be constructed and operated. The Finance Study Group has drafted financial analyses of each canal under consideration, using preliminary estimates of construction and operting costs, several interest rates, under assumptions for future revenues and treaty terms. With this preliminary data, a computer program has been developed which enables us to make new analyses quickly as more complete data are developed. The Finance Study Group is now analyzing a range of finance plans in preparation for the time when treaty agreements are reached and firm cost and revenue estimates are available. Fourth, the Study of Interoceanic and Intercoastal Shipping. This study is being accomplished by an interdepartmental group chaired by The Honorable M. Cecil Mackey, Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Transportation Policy. The purpose of this study is: To analyze the long-range trends in intercoastal and interoceanic shipping related to the canal; to examine the interrelationships between the sea-level * canal, shipping and finance; and, in cooperation with other agencies, to analyze the effects of various toll collection and distribution plans upon interoceanic and intercoastal shipping. This study group has drafted the chapters dealing with population growth, economic growth, and trade expansion, innovation in transportation systems and equipment, and a preliminary traffic forecast. It is now developing a forecast of future ship sizes and characteristics and analyzing various toll levels and possible toll structures to determine their effects on revenues, traffic growth, and world trade. Fifth, the Study of Public Information Aspects of Sea-Level Canal Construc tion. This study is actually a special subdivision of the Foreign Policy Study. However, it is being treated separately in the initial phases of our investigation because of the unique problems presented by the possibility of nuclear excavation. If it is determined that a nuclear excavated canal is technically feasible, it is likely that an extensive program of public education throughout the Isthmian area would be needed to overcome the fears that could be played upon by local elements hostile to the United States. This study is being accomplished by an interdepartmental group which I chair as the Executive Secretary of the Commission. Its purpose is: To anticipate public reaction to the alternatives which could be recommended by the Commission and to advise the Commission of the public information requirements associated with its study and recommendations. Working entirely through U.S. Government agencies, the study group has accumulated evaluations of the local attitudes toward the significant aspects of sea-level canal construction and operation in all the foreign countries having important interests in an Isthmian Canal. With this information, which will be undated as the Commission's investigation proceeds, we will develop a public information plan to accompany the recommendations that the Commission will make to the President for transmittal to the Congress. The Commission's public information activity is limited to response to inquiry for unclassified information. Its policy is to make no statements that favor any route or method of construction over any other. Its completed studies, findings, and recommendations will not be publicly released until proper authorization has been given. I will be followed by Gen. Woodbury. ENGINEERING FEASIBILITY General WOODBURY. Mr. Chairman, Gentlemen. The purpose of the Study of Engineering Feasibility is to make a comparative analysis of the feasibility of constructing a sea-level, interoceanic canal across the American Isthmus, along alternate alinements, using either conventional or nuclear excavation methods. The Study is a cooperative effort involving the U.S. Army, Air Force and Navy, the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, the Panama Canal Company, the Environmental Science Services Administration and other agencies. The organization for conducting these studies is shown on Chart B. A Canal Studies Coordinating Committee, composed of expert members of applicable disciplines from the major participating agencies, is assisting me in coordinating this complex effort. In studying engineering feasibility the following alternatives are being considered: Meeting traffie demands by modernizing the existing lock canal. methods. Constructing a sea-level canal by using principally nuclear excavation methods. Constructing a sea-level canal by using a combination of conventional and nuclear excavation methods. As shown on this map, Chart C, there are four general routes along the American Isthmus which are under consideration for a sea-level canal. These are: Route 8-A route generally along the Nicaragua-Costa Rica border. Routes 10 through 14-Several alinements in or near the Panama Canal Zone which are being studied for conventional excavation methods. In addition, increasing the capacity of the present lock canal is being investigated. Route 17-A route in the Darien Region of Panama. It is being examined for nuclear excavation methods, with minor supporting or remedial conventional work. Route 25-A route in the extreme Northwestern portion of Colombia, near the Colombia-Panama border. It is being studied for a combination of nuclear and conventioned excavation. The Engineering Studies have been divided into two broad programs-Data Collection, and Data Evaluation and Engineering Studies. DATA COLLECTION PROGRAM The Data Collection Program is designed as an intensive two-year effort on the proposed routes to collect data necessary to evaluate the engineering, and nuclear operational and safety aspects of construction. A token start of the program was started in February 1966 in Panama, but the full-scale effort along both Routes 17 and 25 couldn't begin until January of this year. Our work on Route 8 has awaited the production of topographic maps under the Inter-American Mapping program. This is now completed and map studies are in progress. The Commission presently has survey forces deployed along the Panamanian and Colombian routes. Considerable progress has been made since January 1967. To illustrate our on-site data collection programs, I have prepared a series of slides supplemented with a short film strip. Our general plan is to examine in detail a zone about four miles on each side of selected alinement. Facilities for support, to include base and line camps are, of course, necessary. Thus, on Route 17 (slide) we have two weather stations, one at each end of the route, and the support facilities. On Route 25 (slide), a similar pattern has been established. Data are being collected in the technical disciplines shown here. (slide) All of those listed, except acoustic wave, which is being done in the Canal Zone, are being undertaken on the remote routes. Now let us look at some of the on-site activities. |