722.2315/967½
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State ( Welles ) to the Chief of the Division of Latin American Affairs ( Duggan )
The attached personal letter from Mr. Gonzalez14 is of interest. I have thought for some time that there seemed to be a lack of comprehension on the part of the Government of Ecuador of the functions of this Government up to the time when the President of the United States actually assumes jurisdiction as arbitrator. If you have the opportunity, it might be well for you to discuss this whole subject with the Minister of Ecuador. I have already indicated to him that until such time as the two Governments have complied with the terms of the protocol and have either reached an agreement on the arbitral zone or have presented to the arbitrator the two zones which they submit to the jurisdiction of the arbitrator, the role of this Government is merely that of a friendly and conciliatory host and that we have no intention of being represented during the course of the preliminary negotiations between the two delegations. In order to avoid future misunderstandings or possible controversies, perhaps you will wish to go over this aspect of the question with Mr. Hackworth15 and give the Minister of Ecuador an aide-mémoire setting forth our views on this subject.16
- Dated August 18; not printed.↩
- Green H. Hackworth, Legal Advisor.↩
- Aide-mémoire for the Ecuadoran Minister and the Peruvian Ambassador were drafted but not sent. [Page 120] It is understood that the delegations are to hold their subsequent sessions at the Pan American Union. You may express the hope of this Government that the arrangements suggested will be agreeable to the Government of Ecuador.↩