178. Editorial Note
On December 10, when Ambassador Christian Ravndal approached Ecuadorean Foreign Minister Tobar, in accordance with Document 172, Tobar proposed that he sound out Batista, strictly on a confidential basis, on the possibility of a conciliatory approach by the American Republics. Fidel Castro was not to be contacted unless Batista approved. Tobar told Ravndal that he was thinking of asking two other countries to join in this effort. (Telegram 177 from Quito, December 10; Department of State, Central Files, 737.00/12–1058)
The Department told Ravndal that it favored Tobar’s proposal and that former Panamanian President Arias, who was serving in Washington as Panama’s Ambassador to the Organization of American States, had expressed views similar to Tobar’s. The Department suggested that Panama be one of the other two countries associated with Tobar’s approach. (Telegram 122 to Quito, December 11; ibid., 737.00/ 12–1158)
On December 15, Tobar said that his government was sounding out Batista through the Cuban Ambassador in Quito. (Telegram 185 from Quito, December 15; ibid., 737.00/12–1558)