422.11G93/1013: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Ecuador (Belt)
Your March 11, 3 p.m., confidential.
Elizalde admits that he promised in the name of his Government to pay $859,740 but states that his Government misunderstood him as he used the word coupon in the singular form believing that only one coupon was paid annually whereas in fact two are paid. He has promised to telegraph his Government urging the payment of the full amount as promised Department and states that he hopes that he will be able to arrange the matter if there is sufficient money in the Ecuadorian Treasury. Endeavor to ascertain and cable Department whether Ecuador is in a position to make the remaining payment on the $859,740.
Talk this matter over informally with Norton and cable his opinion as to whether the full payment should be pressed for, but do not take matter up with Ecuadorean Govt. without Department’s instructions.