Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The American Republics, Volume VIII

822.00/8–2347: Telegram

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

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Quito, August 23, 1947—11 p.m.

344. Political situation flared into action tonight about 9:30. Troops and armored cars appeared throughout city. Many shots were fired. Group of army officers appeared at President’s residence and demanded he resign. Last information is that President had not agreed so to do but that he accompanied officers to armored car headquarters to confer with Mancheno¹ who seems to be taking control of the government. My Military Attaché² quotes Mrs. Mancheno as saying that Velasco³ has resigned.

Apparently crisis came as result of Mancheno reopening Ernesto Villacis incident⁴ by reinstating him temporarily on August 11 as Acting Under Secretary Defense. This action was apparently taken without President’s previous knowledge or consent. Velasco demanded his transfer to post outside of Quito. Mancheno refused. Velasco then demanded Mancheno’s resignation, but latter stated he had once before resigned under pressure (last January) but that he refused to resign a second time. Mancheno then apparently took action to oust Velasco. The matter consequently resolved itself into a show of strength between the two, the chief determining factor being army support. Plans seem to have been well laid in advance and confidential source reports that Mancheno has also recently consolidated to considerable extent opposition to Velasco among various civilian groups including Conservatives, Liberals, Socialist and more particularly Communists. In this connection one source states that only condition of Communist support was a promise that if coup successful Trujillo⁵ would be recalled from Rio Conference.

Mancheno apparently has gained full support of army and guardia civil. Troops generally in control; no opposition evident. No casualties, looting or disorder so far ascertained.

Armed forces this evening seized telegraph, telephone and cable facilities. No information as to situation Guayaquil or other sections of country.

Nothing has been heard concerning situation Vice President Suarez Veintimilla in relation to possible formation new government.

Message not sent to Petropolis because lack facilities.

Simmons

1. Col. Carlos Mancheno, Minister of National Defense.
2. Col. Paul K. Porch.
3. The Ecuadoran President, José Maria Velasco Ibarra.
4. An officer of the Ecuadoran Tank Corps whose conduct caused differences between the Mayor of Quito and the National Government. The latter rescinded the action of the former, releasing Villacis from prison and restoring him to his rank.
5. José Vicente Trujillo, Ecuadoran Minister of Foreign Affairs and Delegate to the Inter-American Conference for the Maintenance of Continental Peace and Security which met at Petropolis, August 15–September 2, 1947.