File No. 422.11 G 93/597.
The American Chargé d’Affaires to the Secretary of State.
Quito, March 6, 1913.
Sir: I have the honor to report that through a confidential source, which I believe to be reliable, information has reached this Legation with respect to the instructions given to Dr. Gonzalo S. Cordova, newly appointed Ecuadorean Minister to Washington, by his Government.
With respect to the arbitration of matters relating to the Guayaquil and Quito Railway Co., Dr. Córdova has been informed that the Government of Ecuador will delay sufficiently over the preliminary details, so that the Arbitral Tribunal will not be formally installed until after Dr. Córdova’s arrival in Washington.
Dr. Córdova is then instructed to direct all his efforts in a general way to persuade the new administration to abandon the attitude of protection, which the Department of State has so far maintained towards the Guayaquil and Quito Railway Co., this for the ostensible purpose of fostering and improving good relations between the United States and Ecuador.
Dr. Córdova is to be kept closely informed with regard to the progress of the arbitration and in case President Plaza is not satisfied with the attitude and the decisions of the American Arbitrator, or believes that any advantage may be gained therefrom, Dr. Córdova will be instructed to request the recall of Dr. Henry L. Janes and the appointment of some other person to replace him.
I have [etc.]