822.796/421: Telegram
The Minister in Ecuador ( Long ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:59 p.m.]
287. In a long conference yesterday on Sedta the Foreign Minister sought to bind Morgan and me with a promise for immediate arrival [Page 283] of another plane or two, or an oral commitment covering an immediate increase in Panagra internal services. We told him that we were doing our best and thought that the matter could be worked out.
He then asked me to send him a note confirming my indications that $275,000 is to become available for aviation training (Legation’s telegram no. 270, August 28, 2 p.m.66). I replied that I was awaiting detailed information and would advise him later. Please instruct.
Later in the day the Foreign Minister explained that when Sedta ceased operation we might expect considerable adverse propaganda, unless Panagra would immediately satisfy the demand for air transportation. He emphasized the need of doing something now rather than in a few weeks. I believe it advisable to lend an extra plane here at least for a short time to take care of the situation resulting from the elimination of Sedta.
- Not printed.↩