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 f ree transit through the canal." The remarks -were made prior to the recent Panamanian plebiscite in a radio and television address. According to the report, some observers fear U.S. rejection of the treaties could trigger a "moment of madness" similar to the 1964 riots in which 20 Panamanians and 4 Americans were killed.
November 9-According to a Christian Science Monitor poll, Senate
 support and opposition to the Panama Canal treaties was divided as follows: 51 pro-treaties; 33 opposed; and 16 undecided. Sixtyseven votes would be required for ratification.
November 9-Senate Miaj ority Leader Byrd and six other Democratic
 Senators embarked on a 4-day tour of Panama and the Canal Zone.
 Traveling w ith Byrd were Senators Sasser, Matsunaga, Huddcleston, iliegle, Sarbanes and Ietzenbaum. The Washington Post also reported Byrd as saying that he had detected some national "shifting of opinion" toward approval of the Panamna Canal treaties. He added that "What is required is a better education of the public
 and f or all of us..."
November 9-Senator Dole was quoted by the New York Times as
 predicting that "it would be difficult" for anyone to win the Rlepublican Presidential nomination in 1980 unless hle opposed the Panamia
 Canal treaties.
November 10-Senators Byrd, and the six other D emocratic Senators,
 spent the day touring Panama with General Torrijos as their guide.
 According to the Washington Post, the Senators discussed the human rights situation, leftist political activity and possible Panamanian
 reaction to rejection of the treaties with General Torrij os.
November 12-According to the Washington Post, the four day tour
 of Panama, undertaken by the Senate delegation had changed their impressions of Panama and its leader General Omar Torrijos. The report noted that the group's tour of the countryside revealed great popular support of and affection for the General who had been described by treaty foes as an "iron-fisted dictator." The article suggested that the visit could have a favorable impact on the Panamanian human rights situation since the Senators made clear that improvements in this area would enhance the chances for a f avorable vote on the treaties.
November 13 The Los Angyeles Timies reported that General Omar
 riorrijos told the group of seven visiting U.S. Senators that he would resign if the Senators believed that he was an obstacle to ratification of the Panama Canal treaties. The General also promised to halt any human rights violations in his country. Senate Majority Leader Byrd termed the General's comments "a positive step." He added "it can't help but improve the atmosphere for ratification."
 Senator Metzenbaum said that he had been persuaded by the trip to offer support for the treaties. Two other members of the delegation, Senators IRiegle and Huddleston, offered their qualified support while Senators Byrd and Sarbanes said they would reserve judgment until they obtained more information. Senator Matsunaga was already on record in support of the treaties while Senator
 Sasser returned home before the tour ended.