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

822.01/9–1847: Telegram

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

urgent
niact

Quito, September 18, 1947—10 a.m.

410. In regard to political situation here is [I] submit following points:

1. Constitutionality now completely restored (see mytel No. 388 September 7¹⁶).

2. Interim President Arosemena elected by overwhelming majority and has unopposed support of country including army. Situation stable and new administration has full control of machinery of government. Existence discontent in army (mytel 401, September 16¹⁶) considered at present a minor factor.

3. Our withholding recognition now is very different from our doing so before president coming into office last evening. Other countries apparently contemplating acts of recognition. Four have already taken action tantamount to this. Our withholding favorable action further might easily be interpreted as a positive act of unfriendliness.

4. Ecuadoran delegation already admitted as full member forthcoming sessions GA UN.

5. I consequently recommend that I be authorized immediately to take some positive step such as delivering a routine note or calling on FonMin which would indicate our position as recognizing continuity between new government after a short hiatus and previous constitutional regime thus implying that no question of recognition has arisen in usual sense of word. I also recommend simultaneous announcement by Department that normal cordial diplomatic relations have been resumed.

Simmons

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