The Good Neighbors

In Washington, El Salvador's Embassy was turned over last week to its new secretary, Licenciado Doctor Don Felipe Vega Gomez. Until the United States recently turned on the heat, only two countries (Honduras and Nicaragua) recognized its unpopular Government. TIME's Washington Correspondent Daniel del Solar called up to ask how many nations had now recognized El Salvador. Correspondent Del Solar reported what followed:

Soft-voiced Senor Vega Gomez answered the phone. Besides the U.S., Mexico and Chile, he did not know how many American nations had lately recognized his Government. He referred me to the State Department.

I phoned.

"State Department," said the operator.

"Will you please connect me with the Office of Central American Republics, extension 438?"

"This is Mr. Cochran's office," said a secretary.

"May I speak to Mr. Cochran, please? This is Del Solar, from TIME."

"Mr. Cochran is out of the office at the present time, Mr. de la Siella, but can I help you?"

"Perhaps you may. Can you tell me how many nations have recognized El Salvador?"

"Just a second." (To a Mr. Tree, sotto voce) "It is a matter of recognition."

"Hello, Mr. de la Sol, this is Mr. Tree. May I help you?"

"Yes, Mr. Tree. Can you please tell me how many nations have recognized El Salvador?"

"I am afraid I cannot talk to you directly, Mr. del Suela. Don't you have a press department downstairs that clears all your questions?"

"I guess there is, Mr. Tree, but I am sort of green, and Mr. Cochran told me to call him directly."

"Well, you better clear yourself with Mr. Penfold downstairs and then I can talk with you."

"Thank you, Mr. Tree, I will call Mr. Penfold."

I called.

"Hello, is Mr. Penfold there?"

"No, this is the press department. May I help you?"

"Yes, please. Will you be kind enough to tell me how many countries have recognized the Government of El Salvador?"

"I am afraid I will have to discuss the matter with the gentleman in charge of Central American Republics. Will you wait on the telephone or do you want to call later?"

"Thanks, I'll call later."

Ten minutes later, I called.

"Extension 676, please."

"This is the press department. Oh, yes, Mr. Del Siel, you can call Mr. Tree now."

"Hello, Mr. Tree?"

"Mr. de lo San?"

"Yes, Mr. Tree, can you give the information now?"

"Well, I am sorry to tell you, we do not know."

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