The Border Dispute Between Ecuador and Peru (1941–1942, 1955 and 1981– )

Abstract

An extensive territorial dispute had existed between Ecuador and Peru since their emergence as sovereign states early in the nineteenth century, each making claims against the other. Ecuador’s territorial grievance was particularly huge, and in 1941 it led to large-scale hostilities. Peru having established her superiority, a truce was agreed in respect of the western end of the front which provided for a neutral zone varying in width between 20 and 30 miles. The armed forces of both sides withdrew from the zone and military observers from Argentina, Brazil and the United States (who had been active as a mediatory group) watched over it until a substantive agreement was reached early in 1942. This was signed by Ecuador with the greatest reluctance, and in recognition of the need for inter-American solidarity following the United States’ enforced entry into the Second World War. It was not therefore seen by her as a real end to the affair (see Map 6).