711.252/6: Telegram
The Ambassador in Chile ( Collier ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:10 p.m.]
161. Your telegram 52, October 14, 7 p.m. Am uncertain whether the Department wishes me to submit draft of commercial treaty to the Foreign Office as stated in two places or whether it wishes this withheld pending further instructions as distinctly stated in end of message. Please cable instructions.
Minister of Foreign Affairs tells me Minister of Hacienda and new Minister of Fomento or Promotion are considering the treaty in principle. Minister of Hacienda is said to oppose waiver of power to grant special favors.
Special session of Congress not yet called owing to disturbed internal political conditions … These have preoccupied the attention of the Cabinet so that treaty could not have been presented advantageously last week even if that were your desire. Moreover rumors of Cabinet organization would have made such a move useless. It is now thought Congress may convene middle of November.