Hay-Pauncefote Treaties

Hay-Pauncefote Treaties, agreements between the United States and Great Britain negotiated in 1899 and 1901, giving the United States the sole right to construct and control the proposed Panama Canal. The treaty derives its name from the two men who negotiated—U.S. Secretary of State John Hay and the British ambassador to the U.S. Lord Pauncefote. The first treaty was amended by Congress (1900) and then rejected by Britain. The second treaty gave the U.S. the right to control the canal and build fortifications.

See also: Panama Canal.