File No. 763.72/3271
The Ambassador in Chile ( Shea) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 9, 9.30 a.m.]
The following is a translation of reply of the Chilean Government to the German communications regarding blockaded zones and submarine warfare within those zones:
In the judgment of the Government of Chile the measure proposed is equivalent to a restriction of the rights of neutrals which this country cannot respect because it is contrary to principles long consecrated to the benefit of countries that are foreign to armed conflicts.
The acceptance on the part of Chile of the measure taken by Germany would remove it from the line of strict neutrality which it has followed during the present European conflict.
Chile, therefore, reserves to itself its liberty of action to claim respect for all of its rights should an act of hostility be committed against its ships.