822.002/11–1246: Telegram
The Ambassador in Ecuador (Scotten) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
[Received 6 p.m.]
543. The press of the past few days has discussed the possibility of the appointment of Leonardo Stagg as Minister of Economy to succeed [Page 873] José Carbo Puig, recently resigned. This morning’s press carries statement by Stagg to effect that he has in fact been offered this position and has it under consideration. Stagg was on the British Black List and our PL and was deleted with a non-meritorious status.
Both the British Legation and myself feel it would be embarrassing to have to deal with a Cabinet Minister in this category but we are both hesitant about mentioning the matter to this Government without instructions as this Government might well consider any such representation as intervention in the domestic politics of Ecuador. If the Department decides to take any action, I strongly recommend the matter be taken up with the Ecuadoran Ambassador in Washington as I am apprehensive representation made here would produce an embarrassing situation between this Embassy and the Government. The matter is pressing as the appointment may be made within 48 hours.74
- The Acting Secretary of State in telegram 413, November 14, 1946, 7 p.m., characterized the contemplated action “incomprehensible,” but indicated that the Department was not disposed to take any step that might be construed as interference in domestic matters (822.002/11–1246).↩