Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, American Republics: Central and South America, Volume VII

471. Memorandum of a Conversation, Department of State, Washington, August 31, 1955¹

Washington , August 31, 1955

SUBJECT

• Visit of Ambassador Chiriboga

PARTICIPANTS

• Ambassador Chiriboga, Embassy of Ecuador
• Mr. Holland—ARA
• Mr. Gerberich—OSA
• Mr. Dustmann—OSA

Ambassador Chiriboga began by asking Mr. Holland if he had any information concerning any developments on the Ecuador-Peru border problem. Mr. Holland replied that he had been awaiting the Ambassador’s visit to inform him that the US has just asked the Foreign Minister of Brazil to call an early meeting of the Guarantors² to consider the situation, as we are deeply concerned over the many reports of the tenseness between Ecuador and Peru on this subject.³ Mr. Holland explained that the US has the well-being of both countries at heart as well as the stability and peace of the hemisphere. He said we hope that the Guarantors will meet to consider what to do, possibly including a look at the armaments of both countries, but that we have no special ideas on the subject, and would welcome any that Ambassador Chiriboga might have. He added that our Ambassadors in Quito and Lima⁴ were informing the respective Foreign Ministers⁵ of the action being taken at Rio. He made it clear that Brazil has not yet agreed to call the meeting but that we hope for early and favorable action.

Ambassador Chiriboga replied that he had only two suggestions to make at this time: 1) that the Guarantors could use their good offices to effect an exchange of ambassadors between Ecuador and Peru and 2) that Ecuador and Peru should agree not to grant any concessions in the disputed areas to foreign interests. He added that he might have other suggestions to give us after consultation with his Government.

The Ambassador indicated concern over various reports he said his Government has received of US armaments being sold to Peru and he then quoted from the Department of State Bulletin of July 25, 1955 to the effect that the US and Peru signed on April 30 an agreement with respect to the disposition of equipment under the military assistance agreement of February 22, 1952.⁶ He inquired as to what was contained in the agreement. Mr. Holland replied that he was not familiar with the details of the agreement but would look into it and advise the Ambassador.

Ambassador Chiriboga said his Government is anxious to obtain an Eximbank loan of $900,000 for terminal buildings at Guayaquil and Quito, stressing the fact that the present Government has only one year to go and wishes to start this project before its term expires. He said the Eximbank is apparently ready to grant the loan but is seeking to impose certain difficult conditions. His chief reason however in mentioning it was that he hoped Mr. Holland would be able to expedite its final approval by the Bank. Mr. Holland said he knew about the loan and the red tape involved and that, although the Eximbank was an independent agency and did not like the State Department to be looking over its shoulder, he would be happy to express our interest in the loan to the Bank.

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 622.233/8–3155. Confidential. Drafted by Walter H. Dustmann, Jr. Initialed by Holland, indicating his approval.
2. A Protocol of Peace, Friendship, and Boundaries between Ecuador and Peru (known as the “Rio Protocol”) was signed at Rio de Janeiro on January 29, 1942, and entered into force on February 26, 1942. The Guarantors of the protocol were Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and the United States. For text of the protocol, see 56 Stat. 1818.
3. A memorandum of a telephone conversation, dated August 29, stated that Ambassador Dunn in Brazil informed Holland that Brazilian Foreign Minister Raul Fernandes planned to call a meeting of the Guarantors of the Rio Protocol. The Ambassador requested that he be sent the text of a note with U.S. views on the subject which he could present to Fernandes. (Department of State, Central Files, 622.23/8–2955) Telegram 259 to Rio de Janeiro, August 30, contained the text of a note which stated in part: “The United States believes that the unsettled border differences between the two countries at the same time constitute a major contributing factor to the existing tension. It is hopeful, therefore, that the two Governments may be prevailed upon to complete the demarcation of their common frontier in the early future.” The note stated further that the United States suggested that Brazil, as host to the representatives of the Guarantor countries, convoke a meeting to consider the situation. (Ibid., 622.23/8–3055)
4. Ellis O. Briggs was Ambassador to Peru.
5. David Aguilar Cornejo, Peruvian Foreign Minister.
6. For text, see 3 UST (pt. 2) 2890.