Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1944, The American Republics, Volume VII

822.00/1659: Telegram

The Ambassador in Ecuador (Scotten) to the Secretary of State

Quito, May 29, 1944—11 a.m.
[Received 2:02 p.m.]

516. Following from Williamson¹ received through private Panagra² wire:

“US Urgent May 29, 9 a.m. Revolution broke out in Guayaquil about 10 last night. While facts not yet clear apparently was engineered by Captain Girón of the Battalion General Villamil. Army conscripts distributed arms to populace who after disposing of secret police proceed[ed] to engage carabineros. Army and navy personnel joined insurgent movement as well as numerous lower ranking officers. Higher army officers meanwhile imprisoned by revolutionists. After all night battle with formidable machine gun, rifle and other fire and presumably heavy casualties revolutionists appear to be in entire control of city and except for isolated resistance to have subdued carabineros. Light firing still continues. Governor is reported besieged in his residence. Revolution would appear to be of Velasco³ origin and also is said to be a protest against alleged oppression of Government.”

Scotten

1. Harold L. Williamson, Consul General at Guayaquil.
2. Pan American Grace Airways.
3. José María Velasco Ibarra, ex-President of Ecuador, in exile in Colombia; presidential candidate of a coalition of opposition parties known as the Alianza Democrática Ecuatoriana, which overthrew the Government.