Newton D. Baker to Clarence Ransom Edwards

The President has to-day designated you as commanding officer of the United States troops stationed in the Canal Zone, to have exclusive authority and jurisdiction over the operations of the Panama Canal. It is his desire that the functions of the Governor in all purely civil matters be interfered with as little as practicable. Full authority is given you, of course, and the military interests of the situation must be paramount, but it is hoped that no substantial interference will be necessary with the construction and operation of the Canal itself or the civil administration by the Governor.BAKER.