File No. 422.11G93/894
The Secretary of State to Minister Hartman
Washington , December 14, 1916 .
Your October 30, and No. 195 of November 7. President of Guayaquil & Quito Railway Company has presented certified statement to Department informing it that, owing to great cost of coal and unfavorable exchange, railroad cannot pay interest on prior lien bonds in January, as it did for the last year. Railroad desires that some intimation be given to Government of Ecuador by Legation to the effect that Government of the United States considers it would be most unfortunate if payment of interest on prior lien bonds should go by default and would view with great gratification the payment by the Ecuadorian Government of this interest. The Department wishes you to use your judgment in presenting this matter to the Ecuadorian Government.