After decades of deep involvement in Panamanian affairs, the United States seemed to have no clear favorite in the vote.

On Thursday, two senior State Department officials familiar with Panamanian affairs traveled to Panama to discuss the terms of General Noriega's departure, according to Administration officials.

Instead the general has remained in control, citing the indictment as evidence of American meddling in Panamanian affairs.

In 1939 the United States abrogated its right of intervention in internal Panamanian affairs with the ratification of the Hull-Alfaro Treaty.

The official said that Michael Kozak, a veteran foreign officer with experience in Panamanian affairs, may also be sent to Panama to press the case.

The United States has had a considerable degree of influence in Panamanian affairs since the country declared its independence with Washington's backing in 1903.

It was rescued by a statement, carefully drafted by Senate leaders, that specifically said the amendment did not give Washington the right to intervene in internal Panamanian affairs.

The Panamanian strongman, Gen. Manuel Antonio Noriega, has accused the United States of meddling in Panamanian affairs, most recently in the country's May 7 elections.

However, González's backers stated that the US opposition to his leadership was another chapter in a long history of US interference in Panamanian affairs, and rejected it as inappropriate.

He has played on Panamanian nationalism to exploit resentment at US interference in Panamanian affairs and met charge with counter-charge.