Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Address of the President to Congress December 2, 1913

File No. 822.124/303.

The American Minister to the Secretary of State.

[Telegram—Paraphrase.]

American Legation,
Quito, August 18, 1913.

The Government knows nothing of changes referred to by Ecuadorean Minister. The matter has not been bought before Congress. Companies mentioned bid about the time MacArthur. All bids must be made blindly, as there is no contractor capable of preparing intelligent plan. Economy or ability of Americans will not affect the award. I have received from the Minister for Foreign Affairs a reply to my protest, saying that nothing further will be done until the special commissioner now in Europe seeking bids returns.

Schuyler.