822.00 Revolutions/71: Telegram
The Minister in Ecuador (Gonzalez) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 30—12:15 p.m.]
46. Supplementing my telegram No. 45, September 27, noon, the position of the de facto government now appears to be consolidated. Armed forces in Guayaquil have withdrawn opposition to the movement in view of energetic action adopted by Quito leaders in sending troops. Trusted officers have been placed in key positions on the coast and recalcitrant commissioned and noncommissioned officers are being transferred inland. Government and armed forces are indicating determination to act with energy and to consummate the movement. Liberal Radical Party is actively supporting the authorities. The attitude of the extreme left is not yet determined but it is believed that it will not be antagonistic. Arrival of Larrea Alba did not elicit popular demonstration expected.
Paez has issued manifests setting forth that regime will remain in power only for the period necessary to formulate and approve a new constitution and that meanwhile he will take measures necessary to remove political anxiety and to solve important problems. Details of his program have not yet been revealed but it is anticipated that a special commission will be appointed to draft the constitution and then within 60 to 90 days a constitutional assembly will be appointed or elected.
The uncertain factor is the attitude which the Conservative Party may adopt. The establishment of the military dictatorship was effected primarily to prevent the certain election of a conservative. The deportation of its two principal leaders was obviously intended to weaken its opposition. Moreover it is reported that the constitutional reforms contemplated are aimed directly to undermine its voting strength and that it will not be accorded appropriate representation in the assembly. The consensus of opinion is that the party is not now militant and that it will probably await developments.