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Hay–Herrán Treaty

United States-Colombia [1903]

Quick Summary

The Hay-Herrán Treaty was an agreement between the United States and Colombia in 1903. It would have granted the U.S. rights to build a canal across the Isthmus of Panama, which was then part of Colombia. The treaty was named after U.S. Secretary of State John Hay and Colombian representative Tomás Herrán.

However, the Colombian Senate rejected the treaty, seeking better terms and greater control over the canal zone. This rejection led the U.S. to support Panama's secession from Colombia in November 1903. Shortly after, the U.S. signed the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty with the newly independent Panama, securing the rights to build the Panama Canal.123

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