File No. 822.00/360.
Minister Hartman to the Secretary of State.
Quito, February 19, 1914, 1 p.m.
Answering your February 14, 6 p.m. I have diligently endeavored to obtain a statement of American interests at Esmeraldas in danger from revolution which a war vessel would protect but without results. I based my recommendation for a war vessel largely upon a telegram from American Minister at Lima dated February 13, 3 p.m., which stated: “Immediate steps should be taken at Esmeraldas. Will the Department send a cruiser there, and when? Anxious about cable operatives.” Lima has better telegraphic communication with Esmeraldas than Quito.