File No. 322.112J72/3.
Minister Hartman to the Secretary of State.
Quito, March 7, 1914, 11 a.m.
Answering your March 5, 5 p.m. On January 3 I received first complaint from the American Consul General that the Jones trial was being unnecessarily delayed. I then presented the matter by note and in person to the Minister for Foreign Affairs asking that necessary measures be taken to insure Jones a prompt, fair fend just [Page 284] trial. This was promised both verbally and in a note from the Minister for Foreign Affairs dated January 10. On January 20 I again in person and by note informed the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the continued delay and urged prompt action should be taken by his Government to remedy the matter. He replied January 20 that orders by telegraph had been sent to the Governor of Guayaquil to secure for Jones a prompt and fair trial. On January 23 I received a note from the Minister for Foreign Affairs quoting what purported to be the law showing that the delay in the case was authorized. I communicated this to our Consul General and suggested that Jones’ lawyer advise me on that point. This has not been done. On February 13 I suggested through the Consul General that I be furnished a complete and accurate statement of the material record, facts, and the law applicable, to enable me to again properly present the case to the Ecuadorian Government. On same day Attorney Lockwood, acting here as a friend for Jones, made the same request. No attention was given to these requests. Accordingly on February 28 I telegraphed the Consul General to urge Jones and his lawyer to promptly furnish the statement requested. On March 3 an imperfect and unauthenticated statement signed by Jones personally was presented by his nephew. I considered it advisable that I should have a certified copy of the material evidence of the principal witnesses as well as a brief of the law upon which to base a note asking for his release. Mr. Lockwood agreed with me and the nephew telegraphed for one to Guayaquil. When the statement is completed and the certified copy of the testimony received my note will be prepared and presented insisting upon his immediate discharge unless the Department otherwise instructs.