811.24522/1–3047
The Ambassador in Ecuador (Scotten) to the Assistant Secretary of State for American Republic Affairs (Braden)
Dear Spruille: Since Illescas’19 return I have given a luncheon for him attended by Trujillo20 and others. He came in to see me previous to that luncheon, and he discussed in general terms the Galapagos matter. When I say in general terms, I mean exactly that. He did not have one concrete plan or suggestion of a plan. I told him I understood that he would receive detailed instructions from his government to take back to Washington. He replied that it was true that Trujillo had told you that he would receive these instructions but that on thinking it over, he had decided and had told both the President21 and Trujillo that he did not desire such instructions, but that he be allowed a free hand to see what he could do. He was completely vague, and I am wondering whether in fact he will actually try to arrive at a definite agreement for the future of the Base. He did mention, however, the desire of Ecuador to obtain military equipment for its armed forces, and he seemed to think we would be delighted to furnish Ecuador everything it needed in return for the right to maintain the Base. When I asked him just what equipment he had in mind, he shied off this subject, and I received the impression that he had not even talked the matter over with the Ecuadoran military authorities. He said he would discuss the matter further with me, but so far has not done so. This may not be very helpful, Spruille, but it is really the best I can do.
With kindest regards, please believe me,
Sincerely yours,