U.S. Attempts to Oust Gen. Noriega

President Bush’s handling of the Panamanian crisis sends a forceful signal to Gen. Noriega without concomitant damage to our relations with other Latin American states or the initiation of still another divisive political issue at home.

U.S. combat troops regularly stationed in Panama outnumber those of Panama and they are better equipped and trained. Thus, they should be capable of protecting Americans in Panama and ensuring that our rights under the Panama Canal treaty are maintained--the two goals of our military there, according to Bush. The modest reinforcement of these troops, however, by some 2,000 men, provides additional evidence of our resolve to protect American lives and interests. The move also introduces an additional element of uncertainty in the minds of Noriega and his advisers who cannot rule out the possible use of military force by the United States to depose them.

Meanwhile, Bush has mustered political support quickly both abroad and at home. At this writing, nine Latin American countries have denounced Noriega’s suppression of political rights in Panama. There has been little or no criticism that the “Colossus of the North” is browbeating tiny Panama. The Organization of American States called an emergency meeting to discuss Panama’s plight. European states are expected to take a stand concerning Noriega’s tyrannical actions.

Unquestionably, Bush has made his most outstanding display of political skill in creating a surprisingly solid political consensus at home in support of his Panamanian policy. The consensus includes not only Republicans and Democrats but liberals and conservatives in both parties.

Bush’s approach toward Panama contrasts sharply from that of his predecessor. Reagan bludgeoned Panama with financial sanctions which created hardships for the Panamanian people without influencing Noriega. Reagan’s chief executor of policy, Elliott Abrams, former assistant secretary of state for Latin American affairs, was an abrasive and devious hard-liner.

Noriega may well have overreached himself this time by flagrantly repudiating the popular will despite the presence of U.S. and other foreign election observers. Under the circumstances, the Bush formula to send him packing may well be successful. If not, it will help justify the use of stronger measures, to include the use of military force.

BRYCE F. DENNO

Coronado