822.00/8–2547: Telegram
The Ambassador in Ecuador (Simmons) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
349. Question of recognition of new Ecuadoran regime undoubtedly will arise immediate future in connection actions either deliberate or implying our policy. Rumors from two sources quote Colon Eloy Alfaro6 as stating that US recognition will be extended within 24 hours. Mancheno is reliably reported to have stated his political and economic policy must closely parallel that of US.
. . . . . . .
Present de facto regime appears thoroughly to control the machinery of government. With exception of the Cabinet most government employees are continuing at their posts.
There is no apparent active opposition to present regime. Evidence of degree of popular support not yet accurately ascertainable although public indicates attitude of general acceptance without enthusiasm. Conservatives have been given a minor role and probably are disgruntled. Mancheno is reported as saying that the Communists shall have no part in his government. In fact he is reported to have refused to talk to the Communist delegate who went to the meeting for the formation of the Cabinet in the hope that a Communist member of the government could be appointed.
Two highly reliable sources report Mancheno as stating that all international [Page 666] treaties, agreements and obligations entered into by previous regime will be observed and complied with. Mancheno reportedly friendly to US and, as it appears he is in strong position and may well remain in power for some time, position of Ambassador to retain this goodwill without performing an act of recognition will become increasingly difficult.
It must be remembered however that Mancheno seized power through the illegal strong-arm method of a military coup d’état and that he did not even permit a normal constitutional succession to the presidency. As to the latter point he caused the arrest and detention of the Vice President for a few hours yesterday morning although later ordering his release. If the method of coming into power were to be a norm for recognition, his position would obviously be weak as regards that particular point. However, he is believed to be very well disposed toward the US, considerably more so than was Velasco Ibarra.
As to the point, which he is now stressing, that after all Velasco did resign and did hand the presidential power over to him, my observation is (1) that he only resigned under strong compulsion and (2) that the decision as to who should succeed him was not his to make but rather should be a constitutional question. He unquestionably has by his action disavowed the Congress recently elected by free expression of opinion of the people.
Summing up, I believe that recognition of Mancheno regime, if based upon the three criteria now usually observed under international law and under the policy of the US would have considerable justification but that, if the manner of his coming into power should be an important consideration, his case would obviously be greatly weakened.
I am adopting a course of personal conduct which could not possibly be construed as recognition of new regime. It is my intention not to call on Mancheno although my Argentine colleague is reported to have done so. I have instructed the chiefs of the various other US Government agencies and missions here to be very circumspect, maintaining their usual contacts on an informal and cooperative basis and avoiding all possible indications of unfriendliness, at the same time refraining from actions, particularly at higher governmental levels, which could possibly be interpreted as an indication of our recognition.
Embassy would appreciate knowing as soon as possible any developments on this question particularly whether consultative procedure with other American Republics is contemplated.7