611.2231/441: Telegram

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

61. Department’s telegrams 36 of May 16, 5 p.m., and 39 of May 17, 8 [4] p.m. We caught Dr. Tobar late yesterday just as he was departing for 2 days absence from Quito.

Proposals submitted were discussed but time was insufficient to reach satisfactory conclusions. There is apparently no particular objection to the quota idea but serious doubt as to how control could be effectively carried out. The Foreign Minister still wants to discuss temporary increases of specific duties applicable to items competing with Ecuadoran products whether in Schedule I or not, thus maintaining approximately the equivalent ad valorem duty in effect when agreement was signed.

The question will be further discussed on his return Wednesday. Airmail despatch covering interview leaves Tuesday.45

Long
  1. Despatch No. 1024, May 20, not printed.