Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Volume V, Microfiche Supplement, American Republics

EC–24. Telegram from the Chargé in Ecuador (Little) to the Department of State¹

Quito, December 19, 1960, 7 p.m.

341. During past ten days relations between members of U.S. Army Mission and Ecuadorean officers with whom they normally do business have been cool and strained.

However, today during three hour conference General Calle, Chief Ecuadorean General Staff, categorically stated following to Chief U.S. Army Mission:

1. Ecuador will not accept military assistance from bloc countries.

2. He appreciates past U.S. Army assistance received and will appreciate similar aid in future.

3. Chief U.S. Army Mission and other officers of mission are free to express their opinions to him or to their counterparts.

4. Former friendly, personal relationships will be re-established.

5. All of his military efforts are and will remain directed toward defensive measures only.

Comment: Conference took place at usual Monday meeting with Calle. His comments reflect improved atmosphere following Araujo dismissal,² and are in accord general position set out by Velasco in meeting with Ambassador Bernbaum December 14 and in his subsequent public statements.

Little

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 722.58/12–1960. Confidential. This telegram was repeated to Lima and Guayaquil.
2. In despatch 307 from Quito, December 20, the Embassy reported that President Velasco dismissed Minister of Government Araujo on December 16. According to this report, Araujo’s “dismissal brought to a rapid close a period of leftist agitation without precedent in Ecuador.” (722.00(W)/12–2060).