810.34 Leasing/108: Telegram

The Minister in Ecuador ( Gonzalez ) to the Secretary of State

50. With reference to my telegram No. 46, August 12, 6 [8] p.m.23 The Minister for Foreign Affairs has sent me a note reading in part as follows:

“The Government of Ecuador considers the said proposed resolution, in view of the terms under which the leasing would be made, as a practical application of the good neighbor policy. It believes that because of the purposes for which the vessels would be used the proposal signifies a desire that all of the American countries on equal terms can train efficient personnel to serve in their navies without this signifying a threat to anyone because it would be an offer which would be made to all on equal terms and because the conditions of returning the vessels in the event that a conflict breaks out, et cetera, prove the eagerness to maintain absolute neutrality.

In case that the proposal is approved Ecuador would be interested in leasing one or two vessels provided that the financial terms are satisfactory.”

A résumé of the statement contained in the Department’s circular August 19, 7 p.m., was published in the Guayaquil press. El Telegrafo of that city published an editorial defending the resolution and regretting that Argentina had opposed it since “for no reason [Page 172] could it be considered a hostile act against certain nations.” The editorial concluded that if the resolution is approved Ecuador should take advantage of the offer which would be of invaluable assistance.

Gonzalez
  1. Not printed.