723.2515/376: Telegram
The Ambassador in Chile (Shea) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received December 16, 9.08 a.m.]
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, in addressing the Chamber on the evening of December 13, made a full statement regarding the action of the Government of the United States in the recent Tacna situation. The statement, which was an historical résumé of the Tacna affair, again mentioned the notes exchanged between this Embassy and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, my December 12, 4 p.m.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, in commenting on the friendly offer of the United States, stated that the Government of the United States had made use of a means which was consistent with its diplomacy and which was calculated to dispel any feeling of mistrust which might have arisen. He added that though the United States had communicated to its chancelleries in South America it had never suggested anything more than the giving of assistance, and had never used the term mediation.
Robbins called late yesterday afternoon on the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and was informed by him that a telegram was to be sent to the Chilean Ambassador in Washington, giving an explanation of the interpellation referred to. The Under Secretary stated that the general impression made upon the Government officials and the people in general by the recent action of the United States was exceedingly favorable. It appears that the speech read by the Minister of Foreign Affairs was greeted with great applause.
The text of the telegram to Ambassador Mathieu was published in this morning’s papers. The translation is as follows:
In the Chamber of Deputies yesterday, I called attention to the attitude in which the friendly offer of the Government of the United States had been received. I recalled the fact that the impartial help of that Government had been a factor, on various occasions, in the definite solution of our American problems. I cited especially the [Page 141] precedent of the friendly help given at the time of the Argentine boundary question of 1881, the impartial help in the conference of Arica and friendly actions of Kilpatrick and Logan. I reminded them at the same time of the consistent [doctrine] of the United States with regard to all nations and its traditional policy of not interfering in the affairs of other countries except upon the request of these countries.
I finished the speech by reading your telegram of yesterday which I received as I was about to enter the session. On learning the contents of this, there was a spontaneous manifestation of approval and sympathy for the people and Government of the United States. The entire country, as I had the opportunity to inform the Chamber, should feel today a genuine satisfaction in having received the solemn confirmation that it can depend upon the rectitude, justice and firm friendship of the United States.
I am receiving at this moment definite signs from American residents in this country, men who represent great interests and who are here to increase the natural resources of our country and to aid in improving the banking situation and increase our commerce with the United States.
The Minister notes with pleasure your opportune action and begs that you will at the first opportunity inform His Excellency, the Secretary of State, of the notable manifestation of friendly sentiments evidenced by the people of Chile, its legislative Chamber, and very especially by this Chancellery. Signed Luis Barros Borgono.