File No. 710.11/302

The Chargé in Chile ( De Billier) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

Mercurio, June 12, commenting on President Wilson’s speech to Mexican newspaper men, refers to Monroe Doctrine as having saved continent. True that suspicions later aroused by brusque methods by which United States acquired certain territory and tendency to imperialistic policy but Roosevelt sent Root and cleared up misapprehension. Recently collaboration of Argentina, Brazil, and Chile in Niagara Conference and Wilson plan for confederation of states have done much toward mutual understanding, but more than all, noble attitude of United States in present war and her resolve to pay for defense of weaker nations with blood of millions of her sons perhaps, seals future tranquillity of America. Presidential reference to certain states who seem less likely to go into confederation arrangement than others probably means South American Republics which have shown themselves shy about such a plan without studying thoroughly possibilities and risks. Chile has feared chapter referring to political inviolability where be big field for discord [sic]. Whether allusion made to South American Republics or not, this discourse, in which every American should be interested, being studied.

El Diario, June 14, says Mexico only nation not sharing growing confidence in United States awakened by respectful and disinterested policy. If rapprochement sought by Wilson with Mexico comes about, be great step in Pan-American solidarity. Policy of present President of the Union, which, if shared by all the Republic, indicates great moral progress and decisive advance in American relations. United States attitude toward Cuba, A. B. C. mediation, entry of United States into war wherein they have spent their gains as neutral and now drawing on principal are eloquent facts. Wilson confederation states plan which was matter of negotiation or conversation in 1916 now acquires its value and transcendency and, as Wilson says, this sort of agreement must be foundation of future life of nations of world. God grant it may be accepted at end of war.

Mercurio, June 13, referring invitation of United States to Chancellor Brum of Uruguay, says this unusual act of courtesy on part of American Government confirms once more policy of Chancery at Washington manifested so many times lately that in American concept there are no large nor small sovereignties, no strong nor weak ones, but sovereignties independently respected for their capacity as a state. Fact that smallest State of South America chosen shows wholeheartedness of policy.

De Billier