611.2231/96
The Chargé in Ecuador (Sparks) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 8, 1937.]
Sir: I have the honor to refer to the Department’s telegram No. 44 of December 24, 3 p.m., 1936,15 directing that I inform the authorities that the American Government is now prepared to initiate negotiations with a view to the conclusion of a beneficial trade agreement, and that I obtain their acquiescence to the proposed announcement of intention to negotiate as outlined in paragraph one of the said telegram.
In compliance with this instruction I explained to the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the afternoon of December 28th our procedure in the premises and I delivered to him my note No. 143, a copy of which is enclosed herewith.16 He stated that he perceived no objection to the procedure outlined, but that he desired to consult with the Minister of Finance before committing his Government.
On Tuesday evening the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs informed me orally that the proposed public announcement was agreeable to Ecuador and that I would receive a note on the following day confirming his assurance. Accordingly, I sent my telegram No. 63, December 29th, 7 p.m., 1936,17 reporting these assurances so that the [Page 482] Department might have sufficient time to prepare the announcement for publication on January 2, 1937.
This afternoon I received note No. 151 from the Foreign Minister and I enclose herewith a copy with English translation.18 It will be observed that formal assent is given to the proposed public announcement19 outlined by the Department.
Respectfully yours,
- ibid., p. 516.↩
- Not printed.↩
- Foreign Relations, 1936, vol. v, p. 517.↩
- Not printed.↩
- Department of State, Press Releases, January 9, 1937, p. 16.↩