140 Chapter 2
the two countries. Ecuador was again accused of two Peruvian border violations on
June 8. The first violation occurred when an Ecuadorian military garrison allegedly
established itself on the Pastaza River in the Amazon River Basin, and the second
occurred when troops allegedly moved into the zone between the Yampiyacu and the
Comayna, appearing to be opening a road to the Maranon. Ecuador denied both alle-
gations. In spite of this, a series of informal conversations began in December 1937,
and Peru conceded free navigation of its rivers to Ecuadorian ships.
Coding changes: Outcome changed from Unclear. Settlement changed from None.
MID#1153
Dispute Number: 1153
Date(s): June 1, 1938 to June 18, 1938
Participants: 135 Peru/130 Ecuador
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Negotiated)
Fatalities: 1–25 deaths
Narrative: Peruvian and Ecuadorian troops clashed along a disputed border. Soldiers
from both sides were captured. Both countries mobilized their armed forces and rein-
forced the border. After negotiations, the prisoners were released, and both sides drew
down their forces.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from May 1938. End Date changed from June
27, 1938. Settlement changed from None.
MID#1154
Dispute Number: 1154
Date(s): July 19, 1939 to January 29, 1942
Participants: 135 Peru/130 Ecuador
Outcome (and Settlement): Victory for side A (Imposed)
Fatalities: 501–999 deaths
Narrative: The imposition of a new boundary line by Peru in its disputed territory
with Ecuador, complete with aborted negotiations in 1938 (MID#1152), soon gave
way to continued conflict between the two neighbors. Border incidents occurred as
early as 1939, with a July 19, 1939, report that Ecuadorian troops in the disputed area
had fired upon Peruvian police. Incidents between the two continued, each charging
the other as instigating the attack.
Relations worsened through 1940 while Ecuador began installing military outposts
in the previously civilian areas on its side of the border. By the end of the year, both
sides were making preparation for war. Alarm by the other American states—basi-
cally the United States, Brazil, and Argentina—resulted in no change in what seemed
to be an inevitable spiral toward war. Fighting began on July 5, 1941, when Peruvian
agricultural workers entered Ecuadorian territory with armed personnel. When they
were accosted by Ecuadorian authorities, the Peruvians opened fire. Fighting contin-
ued, to the considerable detriment of the meek Ecuadorian army. The number disad-
vantage was approximately 13 to 1 against Ecuador. The aforementioned American
states offered mediation, but were rebuffed by Peru.