740.0011 European War 1939/19180
The Secretary of State to the Ecuadoran Ambassador (Alfaro)
Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency’s note of January 30, 194217 informing me that the Government of Ecuador, in response to the unanimous recommendation of the Third Consultative Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the American Republics held at Rio de Janeiro,18 has severed diplomatic and consular relations with Germany, Italy and Japan.
This information has been given to President Roosevelt, and he has now sent the following message directly to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ecuador:
“I have been informed by Your Excellency’s Ambassador in Washington that the Government of Ecuador has severed diplomatic and consular relations with Germany, Italy and Japan.
“This decisive step by your Government conclusively demonstrates the earnest determination of the people of Ecuador to cooperate wholeheartedly in every practicable way to guarantee the continued independence of the free peoples of this Hemisphere. The people of the United States share with me a cordial satisfaction in welcoming Ecuador among the nations which have taken their stand in accordance with the unanimous recommendation of the recent Meeting at Rio de Janeiro.
“I also welcome this occasion to congratulate Your Excellency on the able manner in which Your Excellency’s Minister of Foreign Affairs contributed to the memorable achievements of the Consultative Meeting at Rio de Janeiro.
“Please accept my cordial personal wishes for your own welfare and the expression of my sincere faith that our two Governments will continue in friendly and effective cooperation for the furtherance of the common objectives of the American republics.”
I wish to assure Your Excellency that I share fully the views expressed by President Roosevelt in his message to His Excellency President Arroyo del Río, and I am confident that the practical measures of cooperation adopted after consultation among the governments of the American republics will safeguard them permanently from the dangers which threaten their free institutions. You may be sure that it is my constant endeavor to collaborate with you in all matters which will promote the welfare and security of the peoples of the American republics.
Accept [etc.]