[1] Fearful that Panamanian mobs might actually force entry into the Canal Zone, the United States called out its troops.
Several hundred Panamanians crossed barbed-wire restraints and clashed with Canal Zone police and troops.
[1][3] Aware that public hostility was getting out of hand, political leaders attempted to regain control over their followers but were unsuccessful.
In May 1958 students demonstrating against the United States clashed with the National Guard, and nine peopled died in the violence.
[1] On September 17, 1960, American President Dwight D. Eisenhower attempted to defuse the issue by letting the Flag of Panama fly alongside the Stars and Stripes of the U.S. inside the Canal Zone.