811.24522/7–1044: Telegram

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

602. The Department is very pleased with the developments regarding the Galápagos base which you have reported in your 690, July 10, 6 p.m. and in earlier messages. You are requested in your discretion to convey informally to the Foreign Minister your Government’s appreciation of the fine spirit of cooperation which the Government of Ecuador has shown in making the offer which he submitted to you on July 10. Please inform him also that your Government is giving urgent consideration to the problem, and hopes to communicate further on the subject through you in the very near future.

In the meantime the Department would appreciate receiving urgently your views on the following points:

(1)
Whether there are compelling arguments either for or against concluding an agreement prior to the August elections.
(2)
Whether it would be desirable to endeavor to include both the Galápagos rights and provision for the participating base at Salinas in an overall agreement or whether you feel that the Salinas matter should be deferred until after the Galápagos question is settled.

For your information, Galo Plaza, who presented his credentials to the President yesterday, has mentioned to no one the subject of bases.

You may be assured that everything is being done at this end to expedite action.

Hull