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

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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
  1. James H. Wright, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of State for American Republic Affairs.
  2. For documentation on the Nicaraguan situation, see pp. 841 ff.