822.796/114: Telegram
The Minister in Ecuador (Long) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 27—5:10 a.m.]
33. Contents of Department’s telegram No. 21, April 25, 6 p.m. discussed solely with Minister of National Defense5 who is negotiating for hydroplane service to Oriente with Sedta. He said this service was of the greatest importance to the Army and that others consistently favor arrangements with others if Oriente service were excluded. He stated that he wished to be frank about it as he could not accept less from a new group than Ecuador is now receiving and is about to [Page 832] get through Sedta. He gladly offered to delay Sedta closing for 1 week during which he hoped a clear idea of the Panagra plan would be available. He intimated that he would prefer an American service but stated that Sedta prestige in Ecuador was such that the public would probably rebel if they lost Sedta and got in exchange a less comprehensive or efficient service.
Minister Plaza added that every one here was now accustomed to Sedta tariffs, and although some are lower than Panagra, he was certain that the public would not stand for increases since Sedta planes and services were regarded by most people as satisfactory.
- Galo Plaza.↩