Office of the Historian

330/9–2750: Telegram

The Chargé in Ecuador (Hamlin) to the Secretary of State

secret   niact
Quito, September 27, 1950—5 p. m.

73. Deptel 56 niact September 27, 1 a. m. and confirming telephone conversation with Tewksbury1 3:15 p. m. Conferred this forenoon with President,2 with FonMin3 present, concerning information from US Del UN that Quevedo is under instruction vote in favor Soviet proposal invite Peiping representative participate in UN consideration Communist charges of US aggression against Formosa.

As reported mytel 64 September 13,4 FonMin categorically stated to me would instruct Quevedo vote against Soviet proposal, but favored invitation Peiping representative appear to give information, but not participate debate, and would communicate Quevedo that end.

Squirming from original clear assurance to me, FonMin stated that in subsequent communications with Quevedo, did not directly instruct him vote favor Soviet proposal, but left his discretion in name government. From President’s office, while I waited, FonMin talked with Quevedo 11:55 a. m. approving intention to present amendment today to postpone to November 15 Soviet proposed invitation, postponement to give. General Assembly opportunity to investigate charges.5

After telephone conversation with Quevedo [Plaza?] firmly stated that if proposed amendment was defeated by procedural or other reason, whether US voted against or for amendment, Quevedo was instructed to vote for Soviet proposal. President stressed Ecuador would not vote against Soviet proposal as feared would establish precedent against Latin American de facto governments.

President pretended desired conform US view, but was not receptive any argument vote with US or abstain if Quevedo amendment not accepted. President and FonMin considered amendment a good compromise.6

Hamlin
  1. Howard H. Tewksbury, Deputy Director of the Office of South American Affairs.↩
  2. Galo Plaza Lasso.↩
  3. L. Neftalí Ponce.↩
  4. Not printed.↩
  5. At the 504th meeting of the Security Council on September 27, the Representative of Ecuador introduced a draft resolution (S/1817/Rev.1), which was not, however, voted on at that meeting, calling for an invitation to a representative of the People’s Republic of China to attend sessions dealing with the complaint of armed invasion of Taiwan to be held after December 1 at which time the Security Council would take up this topic (U.N. document S/PV.504).↩
  6. See the editorial note concerning the Security Council meetings on September 28 and 29, infra.↩