835.00/2–2846: Telegram
The Ambassador in Ecuador (Scotten) to the Secretary of
State
restricted
Quito, February 28, 1946—6
p.m.
[Received March 1—11:57 a.m.]
117. Reference Embassy’s telegram No. 111, Feb 26, 6 p.m.90 The Minister of Foreign
Affairs91
called me to his office this afternoon and informed me that he preferred
to give me in writing the official observations of his Govt regarding
the Blue Book. He explained that the observations which are quoted below
represent the considered opinion of himself and the President. He
further stated that he believes that the point of view of Ecuador is
shared with perhaps some very slight differences by Chile and Peru. The
Ecuadoran observations follow in translation:
- “1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has studied with
careful attention the Blue Book published by The Dept of
State of The US concerning the actions and intentions that
are attributed to the Argentine Govt with respect to the
Inter-American commitments signed by it and whose presumed
non-compliance is the subject which the Ecuadoran Govt
declared to be appropriate for current consultations between
the Govts of the Hemisphere, taking it wherever possible out
of the jurisdiction of other world organizations, while the
means of regional solution were not exhausted.
- 2. From an examination of the chapters of the Blue Book
which relate to the international conduct of the Argentine
Govt, it follows in the judgement of Ecuador that there are
accusations related with the agreements of a universal
character undertaken by the United Nations which exceed the
Inter-American competence and which should be the object of
study, debate, and decision of the world organizations, and
others relative to the continental conventions that the
American nations could opportunely submit for their
appropriate formal resolution (juicio) with the presence of
the accused Govt and an extensive analysis the proofs and
allegations which might be presented by one side.
- 3. The Blue Book in this last respect constitutes an
element which together with said detailed and ample proofs
and allegations should be submitted for such formal
judiciary action.
- 4. Nevertheless the superior interests of the Western
Hemisphere and the desire to assure harmony definitely and
solidly, the good understanding and the friendly cooperation
of the American States make it advisable in the opinion of
this Govt of Ecuador, that there be sought and that an
endeavor be made to find in an atmosphere of frankness and
understanding the re-establishment of the normal
Inter-American relations which have been observed to be
disturbed in the past by suspicions and “susceptibilities,”
and should be based in the future on mutual respect and
reciprocal confidence.
- 5. Finally the Argentine people have expressed their will
concerning the composition of their future Constitutional
Government in elections unanimously qualified as free and
correct whose scrutiny will reveal the real national
sentiment of the Argentine Republic as relates to its
position within the American Democratic Bloc. Consequently
it would be prudent to wait the result of the elections and
the course taken by the new Argentine Govt in order to
continue the consultations.”
