822.01/8–2947
Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of North and West Coast Affairs (Mills) to the Desk Officers of That Division
restricted
[Washington,] August 29, 1947.
United States policy with respect to recognition of new Ecuadoran regime of Col. Mancheno, based on views expressed to Chilean Ambassador by Mr. Wright:11
- 1.
- It is wise to wait an appropriate period to see whether de facto regime has all required elements of stability.
- 2.
- The change in government does not appear to us to have the attributes of constitutionality, although we have not completed our studies in this respect.
- 3.
- The revolution does not seem to have any special significance, being similar to 40 or 50 others in Ecuador’s history.
- 4.
- We have to be sure that our action in the case of Ecuador is not over hasty, in order to avoid charges, however unfounded, of discrimination in respect of Nicaragua.12
- 5.
- We have heard that Rio Conference has decided not to allow Foreign Minister Trujillo of Ecuador to sign treaty. This certainly was an important international action which involves us all.
- 6.
- The United States prefers not to take the lead, but is rather awaiting with interest the views and actions of the other American governments.
Sheldon T. Mills