On January 10, 1964 (November 26, 1963) Panama announced a break with the United States to demand the return of the ownership of the Panama Canal. Panama's relationship with the United States occupied a special position in Panama's foreign relations. On November 3, 1903, U.S. troops landed in Panama, seeking independence from Colombia and establishing the Panama Republic. On November 18, the same year, the United States acquired the permanent monopoly on the construction and operation of the Canal and the permanent use, occupation and control of the Canal Area. During the Second World War, the United States rented 134 military bases in Panama and returned a portion after 1947. On January 10, 1964, the United States agreed to return the U.S. ownership of the Panama Canal, and in April of the same year. In September 1977, the United States signed the New