Minister Fox to the Secretary of State.
Quito, June 17, 1910.
Department’s June 15 was received June 16. Chargé d’affaires of Brazil immediately asked for instructions on receipt of which will proceed as directed. Under date of June 17 minister for foreign affairs of Ecuador has addressed a note to me as follows:
[The translation.] I have the satisfaction to bring to the knowledge of your excellency for transmission to your Government that Ecuador has complied with the proper exactness with the suggestions of the mediating powers in regard to the withdrawal of the forces from the stations on the frontier overcoming all difficulties. My Government has left in the province of El Oro no armed force, and furthermore has disbanded various reserves battalions belonging to the same territorial section. The brigade Bolivar has been withdrawn to the high plain in the town of Alausi, and the other battalions to the neighboring Provinces of El Oro. The Government of Peru, as my Government had foreseen, has evaded on its part compliance with their obligations, which is the basis of the adjustment proposed by the mediating powers, because it has only withdrawn those neighboring detachments of observation which it had on the line of Zarumilla in Latina up the Mascari River and in some other places on the boundary line, and concentrating in Tumbez, which is only six hours from the provisional frontier. The men withdrawn by Peru, not reaching 200, have been taken from the dividing line to incorporate them into the larger army which is being augmented from day to day, and the attitude of war is maintained. The speedy fortification of Tumbez, the gathering of the elements of war in said place, [Page 474] the holding of the fleet in Port Pizarro, the distribution of the forces in Sullana Paita and Piura ready to reinforce those of Tumbez in an opportune moment, the declaration of the press of Lima, officially inspired, and the manifestations of the Peruvian authorities, is in direct notable contrast with good faith and the Ecuadorean loyalty, so that it is enough with this difference of proceeding to show clearly intention of the both nations. My Government in assenting to the wishes of the mediating powers, inspired with the purest sentiments of Americanism and humanity, very anxious to find a decorous and expedient solution, has promptly undertaken to comply with the basis for conciliation by the withdrawing of its forces to a long distance from the frontier, suspending mobilization of other military units, and also disbanding its reserve in Santa Rosa and Machala. Republic of Peru was obliged to proceed with the same noble identical tendencies to a sincere reconciliation, and even more, since the mediating powers suggested to us withdrawal of the forces and the suspension of all prepartaions for war as the first step which we ought to take to reach harmony. My Government does not for a moment desire to undertake any discussion of the conduct which the Government of Peru has observed in this respect, but regrets in all truth that the voice of authority of the mediation had not been properly heard and that this inferred fact signifies perhaps a deliberate intention to make inefficacious a most valuable mediation which has been offered to us. The unequal condition in which, by the exclusive fault of the Government of Peru, both countries remain after the very generous actions undertaken by the conciliatory powers is too manifest, and no one can ignore that all the disadvantage of this inequality falls to Ecuador. The newspapers of Peru which faithfully reflect the idea of the Government, confess to it freely without reserve, so that prolongation of the present conditions will be prejudicial to our rights to a great degree. The newspapers inspired by Peru say that we are in the possession of the territory which Ecuador claims, and that on this account they will take every advantage of augmenting their means of defense during the time Ecuador is using in sterile negotiations, It is hardly to be believed that such confession should be made in the presence of such a respectable and serious mediation, and much more incredible that the facts confirm the declaration to which I refer. In view of what I have exposed I can do no less than express great pleasure with which Ecuador would see a very prompt end of the situation and therefore I am not afraid to suggest the necessity for beginning as soon as possible the conference relating to the best solution of the conflict. Any delay would militate against the humane and noble desires of the mediating powers, because with time the difficulties to reestablish harmony between the discordant nations will increase; and more when it appears that the good will of the Peruvian Republic can not be expected. Ecuador will proceed to send its delegates to the American capital which the powers select, and will do everything possible in behalf of peace, in conformity with national decorum and the declaration she has made in the debate. I am confident that the mediating powers will be pleased to take this note in consideration since they are animated with the most high and generous intentions respecting the prompt and sincere reconciliation of Ecuador and Peru. Accept, etc.