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  4. Document 545

822.5072/3: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Ecuador (Gade)

Washington, January 8, 1938—3 p.m.

1. Your despatch no. 999 of December 27. Unless you perceive objection, you are requested to call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs [Page 537] at the earliest opportunity and have a full and friendly discussion with him regarding the provisions of Decree No. 27 of December 13, 1937.

You may inform him that the decree appears to work an unusual hardship on American companies already established in Ecuador and that it contains features discriminating against foreign, including American, companies which are not applied to Ecuadoran companies. You should express the hope of this Government that the Ecuadoran Government may find it possible to give early consideration to a modification of this measure.

If necessary you may also point out the seeming inconsistency of a system which may provide a monthly pension which is considerably higher than the monthly salary received for active work just prior to retirement.

Hull