Protocol

To accommodate out-of-office politicians accused of plotting revolution, Panama has two comfortable, specially equipped cells: one for big shots at Central Police Headquarters, the other for lesser fry in Panama City's Model Jail. Back in 1936, when Temistocles Diaz, publisher of La Nacion, was arrested, he got the Class A treatment from President Harmodio Arias--the V.I.P. cell at headquarters.

Last year "Temi's" father, old Domingo Diaz, was elected President. Six weeks ago Harmodio Arias was picked up and charged with complicity in a plot to overthrow the present regime and install his brother, ex-President Arnulfo Arias. But President Diaz failed to return the courtesy Harmodio had shown his son. Harmodio got the small-fry cell at the Model Jail. Last week Harmodio, a sick man, was moved to the hospital. Four days later, Brother Arnulfo was arrested for his part in the plot. This time police had no more regard for ex-presidential prerogatives: after one night in the headquarters cell, Arnulfo landed in the cell his brother had just vacated.

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