every Republic in the Western Hemisphere, but at the same time your mind would be very
receptive to any suggestions originating in Ecuador's government that would lead to formal
negotiations to find ways and means of putting into effect the plan you cherished.
 
                                  Senator Cardenas expressed his personal belief that the President would be
enthusiastically in favor of Plan B above, but that it would not be politically wise for him to
initiate negotiations until after the Congressional elections in August of this year.
 
                             I asked Senator Cardenas to write me by mid-April
as to the President, s re-actions, and I told him that I had informed our Ambassador, Mr. Boaz
Long, of what I was telling him and therefore it would be quite proper for the President to talk
directly with Mr. Long on the subject if he desired further information. And I further told the
Senator that if President Arroyo Del Rio did not want to talk to anyone at this time about this
matter, his disinclination would be understood and his wishes respected.
 
                                 In closing, I expressed to Senator Cardenas your sincere regret that the laws
of Ecuador made it imoossible for Dr. Arroyo Del Rio to visit you officially at the White House.
 
                                 In order to strengthen the hands of the present Administration in Ecuador, it
would seem to be prudent for us to give further financial assistance to Ecuador at the earliest
opportunity. I understand that a Lend-Lease agreement is ready for signature, but our aid should
extend to the broader fields of economic rehabilitation on a comprehensive scale to include
agriculture, industry, mining, and, particularly, extensive road-building.
 
                                             Respectfully, 
 
 
                    Paul F. Foster
                    Commander, U.S.N.R.