822.001 Larrea Alba, Luis/2: Telegram
The Chargé in Ecuador (Dawson) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 3:32 p.m.]
40. Referring to my telegram No. 37, Colonel Larrea Alba does not have title of President but merely assumes chargé of the Executive power. See articles 79 and 81 of Ecuadoran Constitution. Larrea was thoroughly loyal to the last government and took no subversive part in the movement against it. The transfer of the Executive power to him has been effected in accordance with the constitution. In the circumstances it appears to me that the question of recognition does not arise and that the Legation should deal with the present government as the lawfully constituted successor of that previously in power. I shall appreciate an early expression of the Department’s views on this point.