The significance of the Neutrality Treaty lies primarily in its role in ensuring the continued operation and maintenance of the Panama Canal, even after the abolition of the Canal Zone. This treaty underscored the United States' pivotal role in global trade by allowing for the safe and efficient passage of ships through the canal, thus facilitating international trade regardless of geopolitical conflicts. Therefore, the most accurate response would be:
The Neutrality Treaty abolished the Canal Zone, but stated that the U.S. still had the right to operate and maintain the canal and its surrounding lands.